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THE  REV.  FRANK  WOOLFORD  SNEED,  D.D. 
Present  Pastor 


MAP -2  1926 


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East  Liberty 
Presbyterian  Church 

With  Historical  Setting 
and  a  Narrative  of  the 

Centennial  Celebration 

April  12-20,   1919 


COMPILED  BY 

Georgina  G.  Negley,  A.B. 

FOR  THE 

East  Liberty  Presbyterian  Church 


"God  go  loved  the  world  that  He  care 
His  Only  Begotten  Son,  that  whosoerer 
believeth  In  Him  should  not  periib.  bat 
have    everlaitinE    life." — John  iii:16 


PITTSBURGH 

MURDOCH.   KERR  A  CO.  PRESS 

1919 


CONTENTS 

Page 
Foreword 1 

Centennial  Hymn 2 

The  Rev.  Frank  W.  Sneed,  D.D. 

I  History 

Prelude  and  Threads  of  History 3 

Georgina  G.   Negley 

Sermons  and  Addresses 

Forty-fifth  Anniversary 37 

The  Rev.  John  Gillespie,  D.D. 

Fiftieth  Anniversary   59 

The  Rev.  John  Gillespie,  D.D. 

Sixtieth  Anniversary  and 

Dedication  of  Present  Church 79 

William  G.  Johnston 

Tenth  Anniversary  of  Pastorate 105 

The  Rev.  J.  P.  E.  Kumler,  D.D. 

Centennial  Sermon 119 

The  Rev.  Frank  W.  Sneed,  D.D. 

Women's  Work 143 

Mrs.  Wm.  M.  McKelvy 

Finance — A  Century  of  Finance 153 

Mrs.  J.  H.  Runnette 

Organizations 159 

II  Centennial  Celebration 

Reproduction  of  Centennial  Program 171 

Centennial  Celebration   183 

Pageant 185 

H.  Fred.  Mercer 


CONTENTS— Continued 

.       Page 

Anniversary  Sabbath 

Sabbath  School 191 

Address 192 

Mr.  Samuel  E.  Gill 

Morning  Service — Unveiling  of  Memorial  Tablet. . . .  194 

Centennial  Sermon 119 

The  Rev.  Frank  W.  Sneed,  D.D. 

Young  People's  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor 197 

The  Rev.  H.  A.  Gearhart 

Evening  Service — Unveiling  and  Dedication  of 

Church  Flag 198 

Men's  Day 201 

J.  Roy  Dickie 

Synopsis  of  Address 202 

The  Rev.  J.  Timothy  Stone,  D.D. 

Women's  Day  204 

Mrs.  Wm.  M.  McKelvy 

Historical  Interpretation  of  Tableaux 205 

Mrs.  Valeria  M.  J.  Pears 

Old  Folks'  Concert 212 

HoME-CoMiNG  Day 

Reception    214 

The  Relics   217 

Marguerite  M.  Elder 

Greetings    218 


CONTENTS— Continued 

Page 

Centennial  Communion  Service 219 

Synopsis  of  Address 221 

The  Rev.  G.  A.  Frantz 

Soldiers'  Day 

Unveiling  of  Memorial  Service  Tablet 223 

Address  of  Presentation 225 

The  Rev.  Frank  W.  Sneed,  D.D. 

Address  of  Acceptance 229 

Captain  Roy  F.  Miller 

Tree  Planting 

Address 230 

Samuel  E.  Gill 

In  Memoriam 233 

Easter 

Centennial  Closing  Exercises 236 

Morning  Sermon — "Foreign  Missions" 238 

The  Rev.  A.  W.  Halsey,  D.D. 

Evening  Sermon — "Promise  and  Possession" 248 

The  Rev.  George  M.  Ryall 

Report  of  Committee  on  Memorials 254 

Report  of  Committee  on  Centennial  Endowment 

Fund  254 

A  Forward  Vision 256 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 


The  Rev.  Frank  W,  Sneed,  D.D. 

Mrs.  Barbara  Anna  Negley 

The  "Negley  Mansion" 

Facsimile  of  Original  Grant 

Reverse  of  Original  Grant 

The  First  Church,  1819 

The  Rev.  John  Gillespie,  D.D. 

The  Second  Church,  1848 

The  Third  Church,  1864 

William  G.  Johnston 

John  Roup 

George  G.  Negley 

The  Rev.  Wm.  B.  Mcllvaine,  D.D. 

The  Rev.  J.  P.  E.  Kumler,  D.D.,  LL.D. 

The  Rev.  Benjamin  L.  Agnew,  D.D.,  LL.D. 

The  Kumler  Memorial  Chapel 

The  Fourth  Church,  1888-1919 

James  I.  Buchanan 

Robert  Bailey,  Sr. 

John  Grounds,  Jr. 

Facsimile  of  Centennial  Invitation 

Samuel  E.  Gill 

Memorial  Tablet 

Richard  B.  Mellon 

The  War  Work  of  Today 

A  Group  of  "Old  Folks" 

The  Buds  of  Promise 

Memorial  Service  Tablet 

Lieutenant  James  Dana  Paull 

Lieutenant  Alvan  M.  Clements 

Citation  Lieutenant  Clarence  C  Kahic 

Lieutenant  Clarence  C.  Kahle 

William  M.  Robinson 

Charles  H.  West 


FOREWORD 

In  God's  dealings  with  His  chosen  people,  He  Himself  set 
apart  certain  seasons  in  which  they  should  celebrate  His  loving 
kindness  and  honor  him  with  special  recognition  of  His  bounty 
and  blessing. 

Such  occasions  were  permeated  with  fragrant  memories  of 
their  God-given  leaders,  the  heritage  of  whose  faith  and  service 
impelled  them  to  richer  endeavor. 

The  historic  record  of  these  eras  of  worshipful  rejoicing 
was  handed  down  as  a  legacy  and  incentive  to  future  genera- 
tions. It  was  on  such  an  occasion  that  Nehemiah  records  the 
inspiring  truth — "The  joy  of  the  Lord  is  your  strength." 

In  a  similar  spirit,  and  in  response  to  an  obvious  desire  on  the 
part  of  the  Congregation;  the  Session,  Deacons  and  Trustees 
of  East  Liberty  Presbyterian  Church,  in  joint  council,  decided 
that  an  appropriate  observance  of  the  Centenary  of  the  found- 
ing of  the  Congregation  should  be  held,  and  also  that  a  Cen- 
tennial volume  should  be  prepared. 

It  is  a  splendid  commentary  on  the  character  of  our  people 
that  though  living  in  the  day  of  haste  and  high  explosives, 
aeroplanes  and  wireless  telegraphy,  they  still  revere  and  appre- 
ciate the  achievements  of  those  sturdy  ancestors  who  laid  the 
foundations  on  which  we  are  now  building.  Earnest  effort  has 
been  made  to  gather  into  the  pages  of  this  book,  in  condensed 
form,  the  main  facts  relating  to  the  founding  and  to  the  de- 
velopment of  the  life  of  this  mother  of  Churches  and  of  the 
Community  of  East  Liberty  in  so  far  as  they  have  acted  and 
reacted  upon  each  other.  It  is  obviously  appropriate  that  the 
various  historical  Sermons  and  Addresses  delivered  on  previous 
occasions  should  also  be  incorporated,  together  with  an  account 
of  the  Centennial  Celebration,  in  order  that  all  might  be  pre- 
served in  permanent  and  convenient  form. 

A  just  recognition  of  our  debt  to  the  past  is  one  of  the  finest 
marks  of  a  regnant  race. 

Each  generation  is  the  heir  of  all  the  Ages,  and  its  repre- 
sentatives can  never  explain  what  they  are  nor  what  they  have 
done  without  due  acknowledgment  of  what  they  have  inherited. 

In  the  consciousness  of  these  facts,  this  volume  is  offered. 

Frank  Woolford  Sneed. 


The  Rev.  Frank  Woolford  Sneed,  D.D. 

O  Church  of  Christ,  in  service 
Think  of  Thy  risen  Head, 

Who  died  for  thee  on  Calvary, 
And  for  thy  sins  He  bled. 

O  Church  of  Christ,  in  suffering 
Be  faithful  to  thy  Lord, 

Who  promised  to  sustain  thee 
In  His  own  precious  word. 

O  Church  of  Christ,  now  waiting. 
The  promised  time  draws  near 

When  He  who  said.  Til  come  again. 
In  glory  shall  appear. 

O  Church  of  Christ  triumphant, 
Thy  toil,  thy  warfare  o'er, 

Glory  and  honor  with  thy  Lord, 
Is  thine  forevermore. 


History 


MRS.   BARBARA   ANNA   NEGLEY 


PRELUDE 

AND 

THREADS  OF  HISTORY 

Georgina  G.  Negley 

E,  as  Americans,  have  reached  a  sufficient  altitude 

in  the  erection  of  our  body  politic  to  feel  a  keen 

interest  in  the  circumstances  relative  to  the  laying 

of  its  foundations. 

As  Presbyterians,  we  may  entertain  a  just,  yet  humble,  pride 

in  the  part  which  the  Presbyterian  Church,  collectively  and 

individually,  has  been  permitted  to  take  in  assisting  our  great 

Democracy  to  lay  its  foundations  wisely  and  well. 

During  the  Revolutionary  War,  Presbyterians  stood  staunch- 
ly for  a  free  Church  in  a  free  country,  and  when  the  Conti- 
nental Congress  in  Philadelphia  was  hesitating  over  adopting 
Jefferson's  Declaration  of  Independence,  the  ringing  speech 
of  John  Witherspoon,  D.  D.,  the  able  Presbyterian  divine  and 
patriot,  and  a  lineal  descendant  of  John  Knox,  helped  greatly 
to  bring  the  body  to  its  decision. 

A  striking  similarity,  also,  exists  between  the  form  of  govern- 
ment of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  the  form  adopted  by  our 
judicious  forefathers  for  this  great  Republic,  and  it  is  said  that 
suggestion  and  inspiration  were  received  by  the  latter  from  the 
former. 

In  recounting  the  early  history  of  East  Liberty,  meagre  as  arc 
oiu"  authentic  sources  of  information,  there  is  yet  ample  evi- 
dence to  assure  us  that,  even  as  the  patriarchs  of  old  were 
divinely  led,  and  as  they  considered  the  building  of  an  altar  to 
Jehovah  as  essential  as  the  pitching  of  the  family  tent,  even  so 
did  the  early  pioneers  of  this  section  begin  with  God. 

We  are  reminded  of  Jehovah's  promise  to  Isaac:  "Sojourn 
in  this  land,  and  I  will  be  with  thee  and  will  bless  thee." 
"And  he  builded  an  altar  there,  and  called  upon  the  name  of 
the  Lord." 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY  PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

Even  so,  it  was  not  an  accident  but  part  of  the  Divine  plan 
that  the  foundations  of  this  community  were  laid  by  Christian 
hands. 

At  the  momentous  era  of  the  founding  of  our  Republic,  the 
exigencies  of  war  and  the  aggressive  spirit  of  the  founders  had 
afforded  an  opportunity  to  men  who  had  originally  settled  in 
the  East  to  see  the  superior  advantages  of  the  West,  and  to 
determine  to  endure  the  trials  and  hardships  of  pioneer  life  in 
order  to  open  up  a  new  country. 

In  the  year  1778  there  came  from  Eastern  Pennsylvania 
Alexander  Negley,  whom  family  records  of  the  early  days 
name  as  the  first  permanent  white  settler  in  the  East  Liberty 
valley,  locating  on  the  present  site  of  Highland  Park.  He  had 
a  godly  ancestry,  being  a  descendant  of  John  Nageli,  the 
Swiss  reformer,  a  co-worker  with  Zwingli  in  the  Reformation 
of  the  Sixteenth  Century. 

Educated  in  eastern  Pennsylvania,  where  educational  facili- 
ties were  good  even  at  that  early  date,  it  is  not  surprising  that 
he  and  his  family  contributed  their  services  not  alone  to  the 
building  up  of  the  commercial,  financial  and  industrial  life  of 
Pittsburgh,  but  that  they  made  definite  efforts  to  minister  to 
the  spiritual  and  educational  needs  of  the  growing  community. 

As  other  pioneers  of  similar  religious  fervor  settled  in  the 
neighborhood,  there  began  to  crystallize  a  Christian  com- 
munity, the  influence  of  which  served  to  mold  its  life  in  the 
early  and  plastic  period. 

As  usual,  the  forces  of  evil  also  appeared,  as  early  records 
bear  witness ;  but,  as  in  every  battle  for  the  supremacy  of  the 
right,  with  Divine  help,  which  is  never  withheld,  righteous- 
ness must  win,  so  the  hands  of  the  Lord's  servants  were  but 
strengthened  by  the  conflict. 

A  few  of  these  early  names  remain  with  us  in  their  de- 
scendants, but  more,  doubtless,  have  passed  on,  their  names 
forgotten  here,  but  their  work  recorded  on  high. 

We  owe  a  tribute  of  gratitude  to  these  early  pioneers, 
known  and  unknown,  who  gave  the  impress  of  their  sterling 
integrity,  as  well  as  their  arduous  labors,  to  laying  the 
foundations  of  the  superstructure  of  social,  industrial,  educa- 
tional and  religious  life,  the  benefits  of  which  we  now  enjoy. 


PRELUDE  AND  THREADS  OF  HISTORY 

Not  a  tribute  of  fulsome  praise  would  we  offer,  so  out  of 
harmony  with  their  modest  lives,  but  rather  let  us  offer  the 
tribute  of  our  own  lives,  quickened  to  renewed  effort  in  the 
building  of  the  yet  incomplete  superstructure,  laying  the 
beams  of  righteousness,  truth  and  stability  in  the  same  heroic 
spirit  which  characterized  their  efforts,  ever  holding  aloft,  as 
they  did,  the  torch  of  Christian  faith  which  illumined  their 
pathway.    Thus  shall  we  best  hallow  their  memory. 

The  first  knowledge  we  have  of  religious  services  being 
held  in  this  valley  is  in  the  year  1790,  though  they  were 
probably  held  at  even  an  earlier  date. 

When  we  consider  that  Pennsylvania,  the  second  State  in 
the  Union  to  ratify  the  Constitution,  did  so  on  December  12, 
1787;  that  the  first  American  Presbyterian  General  Assembly 
convened  in  Philadelphia  in  May,  1789;  and  that  in  1794 
Pittsburgh  was  incorporated  as  a  town,  with  a  population  of 
about  one  thousand,  we  realize  that  we  are  recounting  early 
history  for  this  locality. 

The  valley  was  long  known  by  the  name  of  Negleytown, 
the  name  having  been  given  by  travelers  who  passed  to  and 
fro  between  Pittsburgh  and  Philadelphia;  for,  as  we  shall  see 
later,  through  this  valley  lay  a  route  by  which  travelers 
journeyed  in  very  early  days. 

When  Jacob  Negley,  who  with  his  wife  owned  large  tracts 
of  land,  laid  out  a  town  at  the  junction  of  what  is  now 
Penn  and  Frankstown  avenues,  he  named  it  East  Liberty. 

Alexander  Negley  with  forty-one  others  had  in  1782 
founded  the  first  church  organization  in  Pittsburgh,  then 
known  as  Pitt  Township,  and  on  September  29,  1787,  the 
First  Presbyterian  Church  was  incorporated,  and  Beulah 
Church,  in  the  other  direction,  was  founded  in  1784;  but, 
on  account  of  the  bad  roads  in  winter,  and  the  wild  state  of 
the  countr}',  with  Indians  roaming  about,  it  was  often  difficult 
for  the  families  of  the  little  settlement  at  Negleytown  to 
attend  church  nearly  five  miles  distant.  History  records 
that  at  this  era  the  Indian  massacres  of  white  people  at  times 
became  alarming,  and  many  had  to  flee  from  their  homes 
to  seek  protection  in  the  nearest  fort. 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

In  consequence  of  these  conditions,  Alexander  Negley  had 
services  conducted  in  his  home  about  once  a  month,  the 
minister  usually  being  the  pastor  of  the  town  church  with 
which  he  was  connected. 

At  one  of  these  services  held  in  his  home  in  1790,  his  son, 
Jacob  Negley  ,who  as  a  youth  had  rendered  valuable  assistance 
to  his  father  in  building  the  town  church,  met  and  loved 
Barbara  Anna  Winebiddle,  the  daughter  of  another  early 
pioneer,  whose  father,  John  Conrad  Winebiddle,  had  also 
been  one  of  Mr.  Negley 's  associates  in  the  founding  of  the 
Lutheran  organization,  which  still  worships  at  the  corner  of 
Smithfield  street  and  Sixth  avenue. 

She  was  then  but  twelve  years  of  age,  he  being  twelve 
years  her  senior,  and  five  years  later,  June  19,  1795,  they 
were  married,  and  located  on  a  farm  at  the  present  corner 
of  North  Negley  and  Stanton  avenues ;  they,  in  turn,  becoming 
the  initial  founders  of  this,  the  first  church  organization  in 
the  East  Liberty  valley.  The  large  family  Bible  with  which 
they  began  housekeeping  is  still  preserved. 

Civic  memoirs  record  that  in  1796  Pittsburgh  had  but 
one  hundred  two  houses. 

About  a  decade  previous  to  1819,  the  exact  date  not  being 
recorded,  Jacob  Negley  built  a  comfortable  frame  school 
house  of  reasonable  dimensions  on  the  present  site  of  the 
East  Liberty  Presbyterian  Church,  to  provide  educational 
facilities  for  his  own  and  his  neighbors'  children.  He  also 
built  a  raised  cinder  path  from  his  home  to  the  school  house. 

In  this  school  house  religious  services  were  sometimes  held; 
at  other  times,  they  were  held  in  the  homes  of  neighbors.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Negley  had  in  their  home,  built  in  1808,  and 
familiarly  known  as  the  "Negley  Mansion,"  a  portable  pulpit 
kept  in  reserve  for  use  on  such  occasions.  This  house  was 
built  of  brick  made  on  the  grounds,  and  was  said  to  be  one 
of  the  three  finest  residences  west  of  the  Allegheny  Mountains 
at  that  time.  It  is  also  related  that  when  first  built  the 
house  was  provided  with  mural  loopholes  for  rifles  for  pro- 
tection from  the  Indians. 

For  some  time  previous  to  the  occasion,  the  centenary  of 
which  we  now  celebrate,  earnest  efforts  were  being  made  to 

6 


THE   "NEGLEY   MANSION,"   BUILT   1808 
Where  Early  Keligious  Services  Were  Held 


PRELUDE  AND  THREADS  OF  HISTORY 

interest  the  community  in  the  erection  of  a  church  building 
with  a  pastor  and  regular  church  services,  and  to  bring  to 
their  realization  a  vision  of  the  future  of  the  valley  and  its 
growing  needs. 

With  all  our  splendid  equipment  of  the  present  day,  we 
can  scarcely  appreciate  the  difficulties  which  attended  the 
service  of  the  Master  by  those  who  had  the  love  of  God  at 
heart  a  century  ago.  There  was,  oftentimes,  the  difficulty  of 
securing  religious  services  for  the  burial  of  the  dead,  and 
ministry  to  the  sick  and  dying.  Ministers,  as  well  as 
physicians,  were  scarce.  These  conditions  were  matters  of 
great  concern  to  those  interested,  and  they  often,  with  great 
effort  secured  the  former,  and  rendered  the  latter  services 
themselves,  both  men  and  women  conducting  religious  meet- 
ings when  ministers  were  not  available. 

On  March  8,  1816,  a  civic  charter  was  granted  to  Pitts- 
burgh, and  in  the  same  year  the  Pittsburgh  and  Greensburg 
turnpike  was  constructed  through  East  Liberty,  being  the 
dividing  line  between  the  old  Nineteenth  and  Twentieth 
wards  of  the  city,  the  name  Penn  avenue  being  given  to  it  at 
that  time  in  honor  of  William  Penn.  The  fact  of  its  being 
constructed  one  hundred  feet  wide  through  what  is  now  the 
business  portion  of  East  Liberty  is  due  to  the  sagacity  and 
foresight  of  Jacob  Negley,  who  made  a  strenuous  plea  to 
the  other  property  holders  that  this  width  should  continue 
all  the  way  into  the  city,  but  they  failed  to  share  his  wider 
vision.  However,  he  laid  out  the  portion  which  passed 
through  his  own  and  his  wife's  domain  the  desired  one  hundred 
feet,  which  gives  this  church  property  its  fine  Penn  avenue 
frontage.  As  Mr.  Negley  superintended  the  moving  back  of 
his  fences,  his  neighbors  and  passing  travelers  jocularly  criti- 
cised his  waste  of  land,  but  he  calmly  replied  that  the  day 
was  coming  when  the  valley  would  need  a  wide  thoroughfare. 

The  original  survey  of  five  miles  of  this  road  from 
Lawrenceville  eastward  is  still  preserved  among  family  rec- 
ords, as  that  portion  was  built  by  Mr.  Negley  and  his  son, 
Jacob  Negley,  Jr.  (father  of  the  late  General  James  S. 
Negley),  both  being  civil  engineers. 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

In  this  connection,  a  brief  reference  to  some  of  the  salient 
features  of  this  famous  thoroughfare  by  which  we  approach 
our  beloved  Zion,  may  be  of  interest,  since  for  almost  a  cen- 
tury it  had  the  distinction  of  being  the  most  important  high- 
way in  the  United  States,  and  around  this  portion  of  it  the 
development  of  East  Liberty  has  largely  centered. 

Mr.  J.  Ralph  Park,  a  member  of  this  church,  made  a 
study  of  the  subject,  and  from  the  result  of  his  careful  investi- 
gation, published  in  1909,  we  are  permitted  to  quote; 

"According  to  tradition,  this  road  is  said  to  have  been  laid 
out  originally  along  the  line  of  the  old  Indian  path,  which 
was  used  prior  to  the  building  of  Fort  Pitt  as  the  trail  from 
the  forks  of  the  Ohio,  where  the  Allegheny  and  Monongahela 
rivers  join  to  the  east,  and  is  sometimes  called  the  Old  Glade 
Road. 

"In  1753,  when  George  Washington  was  sent  out  by  the 
Ohio  Company,  he  rode  from  Turtle  Creek  to  Shannopins- 
town  on  horseback  along  the  Indian  Trail  which  led  through 
what  is  now  the  East  Liberty  valley. 

"Investigation  in  regard  to  the  exact  location  of  the  old 
military  road  made  by  Washington  under  the  command  of 
General  Forbes  at  the  time  of  the  taking  of  Fort  Duquesne 
in  1758,  proves  that  this  road  was  along  the  present  line  of 
Penn  avenue  through  East  Liberty.  It  was  the  direct  route 
from  the  east  to  Shannopinstown,  an  Indian  village  on  the 
Allegheny  River,  located  at  what  is  now  Thirty-fourth  street. 
The  renowned  Christopher  Gist  records  in  his  Journal  that  he 
reached  Shannopinstown  November  19,  1750,  by  way  of  the 
old  Indian  path,  and  spent  four  days  there,  where  were 
about  twenty  families  of  Indians,  ruled  by  an  old  Iroquois 
woman  known  as  Queen  Alliquippa. 

"In  Revolutionary  days  it  was  known  as  the  Forbes  Road, 
and  over  it  the  Revolutionary  armies  passed,  as  well  as  travelers 
in  general.  As  many  as  sixty  thousand  immigrants  from  the 
old  world  are  said  to  have  passed  over  it  in  a  single  year 
in  the  early  part  of  the  last  century  on  their  way  to  the  Ohio 
Country  and  the  'Boundless  West.'  It  was  also  known  as  the 
State  Road,  which  was  first  completed  as  far  as  Bedford; 
a  few  years  later,  in  1791,  it  was  completed  and  opened  up 

8 


PRELUDE  AND  THREADS  OF  HISTORY 

for  travel  between  Bedford  and  Pittsburgh,  It  was  a  clay 
road,  and  at  certain  seasons  was  almost  impassable  for  heavy 
conveyances,  so  that  packhorses  were  largely  used  for  trans- 
portation. A  common  mode  of  travel  was  by  foot.  The 
average  pedestrian  by  walking  thirty  miles  per  day  could  cover 
the  distance  between  Philadelphia  and  Pittsburgh  in  about 
ten  days." 

July,  1788,  history  records  that  James  Bryson  engaged  to 
carry  the  mail  directly  from  Pittsburgh  to  Philadelphia,  and 
established  a  regular  route.  He  carried  the  mail  sometimes 
on  horseback,  and  later  in  a  gig  or  sulky.  A  mail  left  Pitts- 
burgh for  the  East  every  Friday  morning  and  one  arrived 
from  Philadelphia  every  Friday. 

"In  1805-'06  a  regular  stage  line  ran  over  the  State  road 
from  Pittsburgh  to  Chambersburg,  where  it  connected  with  a 
similar  one  which  had  been  operated  for  some  years  for 
passengers  to  Philadelphia.  In  1806  the  stage  carried  the 
mail  from  Pittsburgh  to  Philadelphia. 

"The  turnpike  period  in  Western  Pennsylvania  began  with 
the  charter  of  what  was  known  as  the  Pittsburgh  and  Phila- 
delphia turnpike.  The  Philadelphia  and  Harrisburg  section 
was,  in  fact,  the  first  great  road  built  in  the  United  States. 

"The  western  section  of  the  road  was  known  as  the  Pitts- 
burgh and  Greensburg  turnpike,  and,  as  we  have  seen,  was 
completed  through  East  Liberty  in  1816.  It  was,  of  course, 
a  toll  road,  and  the  toll  from  Pittsburgh  to  Philadelphia  and 
back  for  a  narrow  wheeled  wagon  was  $29.30." 

In  1826,  the  Legislature  provided  for  the  construction  of 
the  Pennsylvania  Canal,  and  the  work  was  pushed  through  so 
rapidly  that,  in  1827,  the  eastern  portion  was  in  operation, 
and  it  was  not  until  June,  1829,  that  the  first  trip  was  made 
on  the  western  division  of  the  canal.  This  canal  was  laid 
out  with  a  high  degree  of  engineering  skill. 

On  February  15,  1854,  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  was 
formally  opened  between  Pittsburgh  and  Philadelphia,  and 
trains  ran  through  all  the  way  by  rail.  December  10,  1852, 
there  was  railroad  connection  made  between  the  two  points, 
with  the  exception  of  twenty-eight  miles  of  portage  a  short 
distance  east  of  Pittsburgh. 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY  PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

In  1816  the  East  Liberty  steam  mill,  the  first  steam  flour 
mill  west  of  the  Allegheny  mountains,  was  erected  by  Mr. 
Negley  at  the  present  northeast  corner  of  Penn  and  Collins 
avenues  (the  latter  being  long  known  as  Mill  street),  which 
proved  a  great  boon  to  the  community.  Previous  to  this 
time,  milling  through  the  country  was  done  by  rudely  con- 
structed mills  on  small  streams,  which,  in  case  of  drought, 
became  dry,  and,  consequently,  the  mill  remained  idle  some- 
times for  long  periods,  causing  great  inconvenience  and  suf- 
fering. With  the  advice  of  Mr.  Cadwallader  Evans,  of 
Pittsburgh,  the  inventor  of  the  high  pressure  steam  engine, 
Mr.  Negley  established  a  steam  mill,  the  machinery  for  which 
was  brought  from  Philadelphia  by  wagon.  The  main  part  of 
the  building  was  torn  down  about  1844  by  Mr.  George 
Evans,  only  a  small  shed  remaining.  About  1849,  Mr.  David 
Kuhn  built  a  mill  on  what  is  now  Collins  avenue,  a  short 
distance  to  the  northwest  of  the  first  one,  and  this  later 
building,  which  is  sometimes  confused  with  the  earlier  mill,  is 
the  one  which  was  converted  into  a  building  which,  for  many 
years,  served  as  headquarters  for  the  East  Liberty  Young 
Women's  Christian  Association. 

The  East  Liberty  of  1819,  as  depicted  by  early  writers, 
presents  a  marked  contrast  to  the  East  Liberty  of  today.  It 
was  composed  largely  of  farms  and  grazing  lands,  with  occa- 
sional fruit  orchards  and  a  few  of  the  home  surroundings 
under  good  cultivation,  where  formerly  was  a  thick  growth 
of  white  oak  and  hickory  timber. 

The  population  of  Pittsburgh  in  1820  is  recorded  as  7,248. 
The  population  of  Allegheny  County  in  1821  is  placed  at 
6,969  taxables. 

Pittsburgh  had  been  brought  into  prominence  as  a  political 
factor  in  the  affairs  of  the  nation  owing  to  the  part  played 
by  her  manufacturers  during  the  War  of  1812.  The  un- 
settled condition  of  the  tariff  question  and  other  circumstances 
following  the  War  of  1812,  however,  brought  about  the  seri- 
ous financial  crisis  of  18 19- '20,  which  was  one  of  the  con- 
tributing causes  to  the  delay  in  the  organization  of  East  Liberty 
Church.    This  era  is  memorable  as  the  time  when  action  was 

10 


PRELUDE  AND  THREADS  OF  HISTORY 


being   formulated   which    resulted    in   the   declaration   of   the 
famous  Monroe  Doctrine. 

This  brief  summary  of  conditions  and  influences  in  the  his- 
tory of  East  Liberty  which  contributed  to  the  founding  of 
this  congregation,  has  been  deemed  essential  to  an  intelligent 
understanding  of  the  history  of  this  Church,  and  leads  us  to 
the  event  of  November  18,  1818,  when  there  was  started 
what  in  modern  parlance  we  would  call  a  campaign  to  raise 
subscriptions  for  a  church  building. 

A  very  clear  record  of  this  transaction  is  on  file,  with  the 
names  of  eighty-nine  subscribers,  the  sums  ranging  from  three 
dollars  to  one  hundred  dollars,  only  two  contributions,  how- 
ever, of  the  latter  sum  being  recorded,  with  one  of  sixty  dol- 
lars, and  seven  of  fifty  dollars  each,  the  remainder  being  in 
smaller  amounts,  the  total  amount  being  $1,561.62^.  The 
following  are  the  names  of  the  subscribers,  a  few  of  whom 
gave  because  of  their  interest  in  the  worthy  cause,  and  their 
friendship  for  its  promoters,  rather  than  through  any  per- 
sonal association  with  the  proposed  church : 


JACOB    NEGLEY 
ALEX  THOMPSON,  SR. 
ALEX  THOMPSON,  JR. 
CASPER    NEGLEY 
DAVID  EAKIN 
JOHN  FLUCK 
SOLOMON  BERLIN 
JOHN  KENNEDY 
JAMES  ROSS 
DAVID   IRWIN 
JOHN   GIBSON 
JOHN  ROUP 
JAS.    STEVENSON 
JOHN   EWALT 
FRED   FLUCK 
JOSHUA  ROSS 
WM.  PEEBLES 
JAMES  CLARK 
JOHN    FRICKMAN 
FRED  STONER 
EPHRAIM   JORDAN 
SAMUEL  PEEBLES 
SAMUEL    McCREA 


JAMES     GARRISON 
JAMES   FLEMING 
GEORGE  McCOMBS 
DAVID  BERLIN 
WM.   FULLER 
HENRY  ATKINSON 
DAVID  KENNEDY 
CHRIS  CLEM 
CHARLES  SEELY 
F.  WARMCASTLE,  SR. 
HENRY  KING 
JAMES  JONES 
WM.  HAMILTON 
WM.  B.  FOSTER 
F.  WARMCASTLE,  JR. 
CHRIS    KAUFMAN 

JOHN  McDonald 

ROBT.  PATTERSON 
SAMUEL  H.  SCOTT 
MORGAN   NEVILLE 
JOHN   LAFABOR 
JOHN  FERREE 
JAMES  BROWN 


II 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 


WILLIAM    SKILES 
WM.  McCREA,  JR. 
WILLIAM   HERRON 
BAPTIST  McCOMBS 
JOHN  INNIS  and 

WISEMAN 
GEO.  A.  BAYARD 
HENRY  HOFER 
EPHRAIM  PENTLAND 
SAMUEL  KINGSTON 
JOHN  WILLSON 
WILLIAM   CAVEN 
A.  F.  GORE 
JOSEPH   OLIVER 
JAS.    B.    OLIVER 
GEORGE  WOLFE 
WILLIAM    McCALL 
WM.  L.  COOPER 
JOHN    McCASLIN 
JONAS  ROUP 
SAMUEL    DUNCAN 
MAJ.  JNO.   FINLEY 


LAZARUS  STEWART 
THOS.  H.  FINLEY 
WILLIAM  MOORE 
JACOB  NEGLEY,  JR. 
BARNEY  M.  KAIN 
JACOB   SPANG 
DANIEL  BERLIN 
WM.  WALLACE 
JAS.  DEMPSTER 
GEORGE  MIERS 
WM.  BINGHAM 
JAMES  SILLS 
DANIEL  NEGLEY 
JOHN  DAHLEM 
JAS.  M.  RIDDLE 
NICH.  DAHLEM 
GEO.   H.   McNAIR 
JOS.   SAWTELL 
JOS.  WAINWRIGHT 
JNO.  SARBER 
ISAAC  HARRIS 
ABRAHAM  REIMER 


On  April  12,  1819,  a  meeting  of  the  subscribers  and  all 
interested  in  the  great  cause  was  called  at  the  school  house. 
At  this  meeting,  Jacob  Negley  and  his  wife,  Barbara 
Anna  Negley,  deeded  to  a  board  of  trustees  elected  by 
the  subscribers  to  the  building  fund,  of  which  board 
Mr.  Negley  was  made  president,  in  trust  to  them  and  to 
their  successors  forever,  the  choicest  site  which  the  beautiful 
valley  afforded.  The  property  was  a  gift  from  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Negley  jointly.  Mrs.  Negley's  ancestral  inheritance  adjoined 
her  husband's  estate,  and  from  their  united  possessions  they 
selected  this  as  the  most  advantageous  site  for  a  church. 

Time  has  proved  the  wisdom  of  their  choice,  and  they  both 
rejoiced  in  giving  the  best  gift  at  their  joint  disposal  to  the 
Giver  of  all  good.  On  the  same  day,  being  Easter  Monday, 
a  constitution  was  adopted  containing  thirteen  sections. 

The  purpose  of  the  gift  is  clearly  expressed  in  section  6: — 
"The  lot  of  one  and  one-half  acres  of  ground  granted  by 
Jacob  Negley  shall  be  vested  in  the  President  and  Trustees 


12 


^ 


'^'i^/'flL, 


Jm 


\         C»M^^    cUctyfp^d  %A*^fn9  Oi'r**^  ^   a<**.7l  /^r^^~^ 

b-^i^J  ...  ■      i 

^  X'  V  ^ /-^ __.  .^  _  ,  - .  ^  I 


L 


^H/QTrt-  Oi^^3  « t^ 


^-'^^  7<'' 


/r 


(Reverse  of  Original  Grant) 
"Allegheny   Co.    ss: 

'"Personally  came  before  me  the  subscriber  one   of   the  Justices   of  the    Peace   in   and    for 
the  county  aforesaid  Mr.  Jno.  Ormsby  and  being  rtuly  sworn  as  the  law  directs  deponeth  and  saith 
that   he   is   well   acquainted   with   the   Hand   Writinj?  of  H.   Boquet,   Col.,  and  the  within   Permit 
was   wrote  and   signed  by  the   aforesaid   Col.   Boquet. 
Sworn  and  subscribed  before  me  this  4th  day  of  Nov.  1788 

"JOHN   ORMSBY. 
"GEO.   WALLACE." 


Tm^- 


r 


1 

Si 


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■  o  o 


T,     y—   O 


3, 

it 


3    O.S 


Cj=  o      "til 
n  £f  S     ►si 


'■5  c  °  o 

S  o  J;  * 

■-   =*  C  OS 

.2  c  o  Q, 

—  go  -a 


PRELUDE  AND  THREADS  OF  HISTORY 

and  their  successors  for  the  use  and  behoof  of  the  said  East 
Liberty  Congregation  for  a  Meeting  House,  School  House 
and  Graveyard,  and  no  other  purpose  whatever." 

So  that  this  sacred  spot  has  for  one  hundred  years  been 
formally  consecrated  to  the  highest  and  noblest  interests  of 
the  community — the  worship  of  the  Triune  God,  with  all  the 
spiritual  culture  which  accompanies  such  worship. 

ORIGINAL  GRANT  OF  CHURCH  PROPERTY 
Before  the  era  of  our  national  independence,  power  from 
the  crown  was  delegated  to  the  commandants  of  the  forts  to 
issue  military  grants  for  the  improvement  of  lands  near  the 
forts,  or  on  the  military  roads  leading  from  one  fort  to  another. 
A  cut  of  one  of  these  early  grants,  which  covered  the  site  of 
East  Liberty  Presbyterian  Church,  issued  by  Col.  Boquet  to 
Casper  Taub  in  1762  (two  years  before  the  blockhouse  at  the 
Point  was  built),  is  herewith  reproduced,  having  been  pre- 
served among  family  records. 

The  patent  for  this  property  was  taken  out  in  1784,  and  was 
bequeathed  by  Casper  Taub  to  his  daughter  Barbara,  the  ma- 
ternal grandmother  of  Mrs.  Barbara  Anna  Negley,  to  whom 
the  title  descended. 

Through  the  courtesy  of  Attorney  William  D.  Evans,  for 
many  j^ears  a  member  of  this  congregation,  this  statement  has 
been  verified  from  the  records  and  the  following  copy  of  the 
notation  of  the  patent  to  Casper  Taub  secured. 

As  in  all  early  documents,  allowance  must  be  made  for  varia- 
tion in  spelling: 

"November  19,  1784,  then  surveyed  the  above  tract  of  land 
containing  303  acres  and  allowances  of  6  per  cent,  for  roads, 
etc.,  in  pursuance  of  a  copy  of  an  order  (or  location)  signed  by 
the  Surveyor  General  April  13,  1769,  No.  3146  in  the  name  of 
Casper  Toupe  Sr.  on  General  Forbes  Road  about  4  miles  from 
Pittsburgh. 

"(Signed)  BENJ.  LODGE,  D.  S." 

It  is  a  remarkable  fact  that  the  original  grantee  is,  at  the 
present  time,  represented  in  the  membership  of  East  Liberty 

13 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

Presbyterian  Church  to  the  eighth  generation,  the  donor,  Mrs. 
Barbara  A.  Negley,  being  the  fourth  generation  in  line  of 
descent. 

We  are  gratefully  indebted  to  the  Pittsburgh  Board  of 
Trade,  through  Mr.  J.  Ralph  Park,  for  the  use  of  the  plates 
which  portray  the  Grant. 

For  more  than  half  a  century,  beginning  at  a  time  when 
there  was  no  free  school  system  in  Pennsylvania,  the  educa- 
tional necessities  of  the  community  were  partially,  and  some- 
times very  largely,  supplied  here.  Although  the  wisdom  of 
the  framers  of  the  State  constitution  of  1790  was  shown  in 
the  provision  that  the  Legislature  should  as  soon  as  convenient 
arrange  for  schools  throughout  the  State  in  which  "the  poor 
should  be  educated  gratis,"  yet  the  first  bill  establishing  such 
a  system  was  not  passed  until  1834,  and  met  with  consider- 
able hostility  from  some  of  the  wealthy  taxpayers,  surprising 
as  that  fact  may  seem  to  us  today. 

On  this  site,  too,  for  many  years  were  the  beloved  dead  laid 
to  rest.  The  latter  purposes  are  now  better  served  elsewhere, 
but  the  worship  of  God,  and  all  the  attendant  activities  and 
benefits  continue  to  flow  forth  from  this  life-giving  fountain — 
a  "Church  of  the  Living  God,  the  Pillar  and  Ground  of  the 
Truth,"  which,  through  all  these  decades,  has  been  a  channel 
of  untold  blessing  to  this  community  and  city,  and  regions 
far  beyond — the  full  record  being  only  kept  on  high. 

We  can  scarcely  estimate  the  importance  of  the  educational 
work  conducted  here  in  the  first  half  of  the  Nineteenth  century. 
The  absence  of  transit  accommodations,  and  other  conditions, 
made  it  impracticable  for  the  youth  of  East  Liberty  to  avail 
themselves  of  the  advantages  of  the  town  schools  at  that  early 
day.  Later,  some  schools  were  established  in  East  Liberty, 
but  it  was  a  long  period  ere  the  necessity  for  educational 
work  in  connection  with  this  Church  was  entirely  outgrown. 
Mrs.  Sarah  Negley  Mellon,  wife  of  Judge  Thomas  Mellon, 
who  attended  school  in  the  first  frame  building  erected  by 
her  father,  described  it  as  a  comfortable  frame  school  house 
of  good  dimensions  for  that  day,  and  the  fact  that  it  stood 
until  about  1835  bears  out  her  statement. 

14 


PRELUDE  AND  THREADS  OF  HISTORY 

The  1819  building,  which  stood  until  about  1862,  was 
retained  for  educational  purposes  long  after  it  had  outgrown 
its  possibilities  as  a  church. 

Some  of  the  older  members  of  this  church  and  community 
were  pupils  in  the  East  Liberty  Academy,  so  long  conducted 
in  the  1819  building,  familiarly  known  as  Moore's  Academy, 
where  the  curriculum  included  Greek,  Latin  and  the  higher 
branches.  It  was  presided  over  for  many  years  by  Rev.  Joseph 
Paden  Moore.  Prof  Moore  is  still  held  in  grateful  remem- 
brance by  his  former  pupils.  He  was  born  at  Frankfort  Springs, 
Beaver  County,  Pa.,  and  married  Miss  Bigger,  of  the  same 
place. 

He  was  ably  assisted  in  the  duties  of  the  Academy  by  Rev. 
William  Addison  Burchfield,  son  of  the  revered  elder  of 
this  church.  Prof.  Burchfield  later  conducted  the  Newell 
Institute  of  Pittsburgh,  and  the  memory  of  his  noble  life  and 
honored  service  is  still  fragrant. 

As  late  as  September  30,  1863,  we  find  the  following  record 
on  the  minutes  of  the  trustees :  "Unanimously  agreed  that  Mr. 
Campbell  could  have  the  use  of  the  old  church  building  for 
the  purpose  of  establishing  a  select  school  for  one  year."  One 
of  the  latest  teachers  was  Miss  Giddings,  who  is  still  re- 
membered by  former  pupils.  The  early  records  show  that 
the  educational  work  conducted  here  was  always  under  the 
supervision  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  the  church. 

The  close  of  the  educational  work  on  this  site  was  soon 
followed  by  the  establishment  in  1870  of  what  is  now  known 
as  the  Pennsylvania  College  for  Women,  which  has  developed 
into  an  institution  of  which  this  community  may  well  be 
proud,  and  which  will  soon  celebrate  its  semi-centennial. 

In  relation  to  the  closing  of  the  mission  of  this  site  as  a 
graveyard,  many  bodies  having  previously  been  removed,  a 
lot  30x40  feet  was  purchased  in  Homewood  Cemetery  by 
the  trustees,  and  in  May,  1886,  the  remains  still  resting  in 
the  chtirchyard  were  transferred  there,  interment  having 
ceased  some  years  previous. 

The  congregation  so  auspiciously  launched  in'  1819  soon 
met  with  difficulties,  but  the  little  band  of  faithful  ones 
struggled   on,   under  Divine  guidance,   amid   the  surrounding 

15 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

financial  depression  and  all  the  other  hindrances  which  the 
conditions  of  that  era  imposed,  and  held  services  as  regularly 
as  possible. 

March  18,  1827,  the  congregation  met  with  a  serious  loss, 
when  Jacob  Negley,  at  the  age  of  sixty  years,  was  called  to 
his  eternal  home. 

He  was  a  consecrated,  public-spirited  man  of  remarkable 
vision  and  noble  attainments,  his  library  giving  evidence  of 
fine  literary  taste,  and  the  loss  of  his  inspiring  presence  and 
optimistic  Christian  counsel  was  a  serious  blow  to  the  church 
and  to  the  community.  The  generous  support  and  interest 
of  his  noble  widow  continued,  and  his  eldest  surviving  son, 
Jacob  Negley,  Jr.,  already  serving  as  secretary  of  the  board 
of  trustees,  bore  his  share  of  the  burden  which  his  father  had 
laid  down  for  almost  three  years,  when  he,  too,  was  called 
home.  The  remaining  sons  of  this  worthy  couple,  Daniel, 
George  G.  and  Alexander  (who  married  Sophia  Mcllvaine, 
daughter  of  the  pastor),  as  they  grew  to  manhood,  each  took 
his  part  in  the  work  of  the  church,  as  the  records  amply  tes- 
tify. The  workers  pass,  but  the  work  continues.  "Not  by 
might,  nor  by  power,  but  by  My  Spirit,  saith  the  Lord  of 
Hosts" — and  the  Lord  soon  raised  up  new  and  efficient 
laborers  in  His  vineyard. 

February  8,  1828,  the  Presbyterian  Board  of  Domestic  Mis- 
sions, now  the  Presbyterian  Board  of  Home  Missions,  com- 
missioned the  Rev.  John  Joyce  to  "publish  the  Gospel  and  ad- 
minister the  ordinances  in  the  neighborhood  of  Pittsburgh, 
Pennsjdvania,  at  discretion." 

A  consecrated  man,  well  equipped  mentally  and  spiritually 
for  the  work,  a  graduate  of  Trinity  College,  Dublin,  Ireland, 
he  was  divinely  led  to  choose  East  Liberty  as  his  field  of  labor. 
Coming  from  the  east  in  a  Conestoga  wagon,  he  began  holding 
stated  worship  in  the  building  already  erected.  Mr.  Thomas 
Mellon,  Jr.,  has  memoralized  the  Rev.  Mr.  Joyce  in  the  erec- 
tion of  a  handsome  stained  glass  window  which  adorns  the 
southern  wall  of  the  chapel  of  the  church. 

In  addition  to  the  members  of  the  congregation  who  had 
already  put  their  hand  to  the  plough  in  the  Master's  cause, 
there  had  moved  into  the  community  a  number  of  families 

i6 


PRELUDE  AND  THREADS  OF  HISTORY 

from  the  First  and  Second  Presbyterian  and  other  churches. 
Among  the  number,  the  Bailey  family,  for  some  years,  ren- 
dered valued  assistance.  Mr.  Francis  G.  Bailey  canvassed  the 
community  and  obtained  signatures  to  a  petition  for  the  or- 
ganization of  a  church. 

April  1,  1828,  this  petition  v^^as  presented  by  Mr.  John  Roup 
and  Mr.  Bailey  to  the  Redstone  Presbytery,  in  the  bounds  of 
which  East  Liberty  then  lay,  which  was  in  session  at  Saltsburg, 
Pa.  An  interesting  incident  in  this  connection  is  that  for  more 
than  nineteen  years  an  esteemed  son  of  this  church,  the  Rev. 
Geo.  M.  Ryall,  has  faithfully  and  efficiently  served  as  pastor  of 
the  church  in  Saltsburg  where  this  event,  so  momentous  in  the 
history  of  our  own  church,  was  enacted. 

After  waiving  aside  all  opposition,  Presbytery  acceded  to 
the  request  of  the  earnest  petitioners,  and  granted  permission 
for  the  organiation  of  the  church  in  East  Liberty. 

It  is  also  interesting  to  recall  that  the  Redstone  Presbytery, 
which  granted  the  permission,  was  organized  in  1781,  and,  at 
that  time,  included  all  the  territory  west  of  the  Allegheny 
Mountains  and  north  of  Virginia  and  Kentucky. 

Another  coincidence  in  this  connection  is  the  fact  that  the  first 
son  of  this  church  who  devoted  his  life  to  the  ministry,  the  Rev. 
Theodore  S.  Negley,  was  for  ten  years  stated  clerk  of  the  Red- 
stone Presbytery  during  his  long  and  successful  pastorate  of  the 
Little  Redstone  Presbyterian  Church. 

After  the  permission  of  Presbytery  was  finally  secured,  the 
records  show  that  five  months  elapsed  before  the  formal  pro- 
ceedings to  organize  the  church  were  enacted. 

After  public  worship  on  Sabbath,  September  21,  1828,  notice 
was  given  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Joyce  of  a  meeting  to  be  held  at  the 
house  of  Mr.  F.  G.  Bailey  on  Thursday,  September  25,  to  re- 
ceive certificates  of  persons  wishing  to  be  organized  as  a  church. 
At  this  meeting  twenty-two  certificates  were  presented,  these 
names  being  given  in  a  subsequent  chapter.  The  records  imply 
that  all  the  other  meetings  connected  with  the  organization 
were  conducted  at  the  church. 

The  following  Lord's  Day,  September  28,  the  church  was 
duly  organized  and  the  following  persons  nominated  for  the 
office    of    ruling    elder:      Robert    Bailey,    James    Backhouse, 

17 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

Francis  G.  Bailey.  Tuesday,  September  30,  according  to  ap- 
pointment, a  meeting  was  held  at  which  said  officers  were 
unanimously  elected. 

Friday,  October  3,  the  session  met  and  was  constituted  with 
prayer  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Joyce.  On  this  date  two  additional  cer- 
tificates were  handed  in,  being  those  of  Mrs.  Barbara  Anna  Neg- 
ley  and  Mrs.  Elizabeth  McClintock.  Nine  persons  were  received 
on  profession  of  faith — Priscilla  McCaslin,  Mary  Sherer  Burch- 
field,  Hannah  Bailef,  Robert  Bailey,  Jr.,  John  McClintock, 
Margaret  Joyce,  Catherine  Joyce,  Sr.,  Ann  Finley,  Rachel  Dal- 
zell. 

On  Sabbath,  October  5,  1828,  the  members  (thirty-three  in 
all),  in  the  words  of  the  saintly  Rev.  Joyce,  "held  their  first 
Sacramental  Communion  as  a  Church  in  East  Liberty,  and  re- 
newed their  covenant  engagements  to  be  wholly  the  Lord's  over 
the  memorials  of  the  broken  Body  and  shed  Blood  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ." 

October  12,  1828,  occurred  the  first  baptismal  service  of 
children,  the  following  children  of  the  congregation  being  bap- 
tized by  Mr.  Joyce:  Rebecca  Roup  Negley,  daughter  of  Jacob 
Jr.,  and  Mary  Ann  Scott  Negley ;  Fanny  McClintock,  daughter 
of  John  and  Elizabeth  McClintock;  John  Edward  and  Wil- 
liam Joyce,  children  of  William  and  Elizabeth  Joyce. 

Among  the  number  admitted  to  the  church  at  the  second 
communion  service,  seven  certificates  came  from  Beulah 
church. 

There  was  a  steady  growth  in  membership,  and  the  records 
reveal,  by  the  grace  of  God,  a  notable  spirit  of  consecration  and 
devotion  on  the  part  of  pastors,  officers  and  people  as  the 
years  go  by. 

While  our  own  church  properly  holds  first  place  in  our  af- 
fections, yet,  in  the  Spirit  of  the  Master,  who  tells  us,  "Other 
sheep  I  have  which  are  not  of  this  fold,"  we  are  happy  to 
record  the  work  done  by  other  denominations  in  East  Liberty, 
and  only  regret  that  the  limitations  of  space  will  not  permit 
more  extended  mention  of  their  noble  achievements. 

In  1833,  the  Methodists  began  ecclesiastic  effort  with  the 
building  of  a  church,  at  what  is  now  the  corner  of  South 
Highland  and  Center  avenues. 

i8 


PRELUDE  AND  THREADS  OF  HISTORY 

The  German  Lutherans  established  a  church  in  1855. 

Calvary  Episcopal  organized  and  built  a  church  in  the  same 
year,   1855. 

In  1856  what  is  now  the  Sixth  United  Presbyterian  Church 
was  organized. 

The  Shady  Avenue  Baptist  church  had  its  inception  in  1886. 

The  Catholic  Church  laid  the  corner  stone  of  St.  Peter  and 
St.  Paul's  church  on  Larimer  Avenue  in  1857. 

The  Christian  Brethren  and  other  denominations  have  also 
established  churches  in  East  Liberty  and  in  1913  Dr.  John 
Royal  Harris  reported  "Four  hundred  churches  in  Pittsburgh, 
forty  of  which  are  in  East  Liberty,  including  many  of  the 
finest  and  largest  in  the  city,"  where  in  1819,  there  was  general 
rejoicing  and  gratitude  over  the  erection  of  one  church.  "O 
Lord,  how  manifold  are  Thy  works !" 

There  have  been  seven  buildings  erected  on  this  property. 

First  the  frame  school  house,  about  16x20  feet,  previously 
mentioned,  built  about  1809  on  the  western  side  of  the  lot. 
It  stood  until  about  1835. 

Second,  the  first  church  building  erected  in  1819,  a  two  story 
brick  structure  44x44  feet  built  after  a  plan  submitted  to  the 
trustees  by  Jacob  Negley  and  accepted  by  them.  For  many 
years  the  educational  work  was  conducted  downstairs  during 
the  week,  and  the  upper  auditorium  was  reserved  for  the  church 
services.     This  building  remained  standing  until  about  1862. 

The  third  building,  erected  in  1835,  was  called  the  lecture 
room,  and  stood  on  the  western  side  of  the  lot.  It  was  espe- 
cially designed  for  the  purpose  of  prayer  meetings  and  Sabbath 
school,  and  is  thus  described  in  the  trustees'  record.  "April  27, 
1835,  proposals  were  agreed  upon  for  a  building  40  feet  long 
by  22  feet  wide,  one  story,  ten  windows,  with  10x14  glass, 
twenty-two  seats  open-backed  in  pursuance  of  congregational 
instructions."  Remains  of  the  foundation  of  this  structure 
are  still  in  evidence  underground. 

But,  so  great  and  continuous  was  the  growth  of  the  church, 
under  the  Divine  blessing,  that  this  provision  also  soon  became 
inadequate,  and  a  fourth  building  was  necessary. 

In  1847,  during  the  period  of  the  Mexican  War,  not  only 
did  the  necessity  for  more  spacious  accommodations  become 

X9 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH 

imperative,  but  there  was  also  urgent  need  of  an  increased 
church  revenue,  and  all  of  the  1819  building  w^as  needed  for 
educational  purposes.  At  this  time,  Mrs.  Barbara  A.  Negley, 
with  her  accustomed  generosity,  donated  an  additional  piece 
of  property.  Thus  was  erected  the  second  church  on  the  newly 
donated  ground  to  the  east  of  the  former  gift,  on  what  is  now 
South  Highland  avenue,  which  was  not  opened  as  a  street  until 
1871.  The  record  specifies  the  proportions  of  this  building  as 
50x70  feet  with  "no  doors  to  the  pews  and  no  windows  in  the 
pulpit  end  of  the  church."  The  contract  price  for  fresco  paint- 
ing of  the  interior  was  $90.00.  The  congregation  first  as- 
sembled for  divine  worship  in  the  new  Church  June  12,  1848. 

A  few  members  still  living  recall  this  building,  as  well  as  the 
church  of  1819,  the  description  given  by  Messrs.  James  R. 
Mellon  and  R.  Heberton  Negley  of  the  former  building  pre- 
senting a  picturesque  portrayal  of  the  setting  of  the  neat  little 
church  at  the  end  of  the  long  walks  leading  in  from  Penn 
avenue  bordered  with  wide-spreading  trees. 

No  photograph  of  the  original  of  any  of  the  buildings  so  far 
described  has  been  found,  but,  from  memory  and  specifications, 
sketches  of  the  first  and  second  churches  have  been  drawn. 

East  Liberty  was  incorporated  in  the  city  in  1868,  and  on 
April  14,  1879,  motion  was  made  and  carried  at  the  congre- 
gational meeting  to  change  the  name  of  the  church  from  the 
First  Presbyterian  Church  of  East  Liberty  to  the  East  Liberty 
Presbyterian  Church,  to  avoid  any  possible  confusion  with 
the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Pittsburgh. 

In  the  first  two  church  buildings,  but  one  pastor  occupied 
the  pulpit,  Rev.  Wm.  B.  Mcllvaine,  D.D.,  whose  devotion  for 
forty  years  to  the  Master's  work  in  this,  his  only  charge,  is 
strikingly  manifest  in  the  church  records.  With  a  small  salary, 
in  times  when  pastors'  salaries  were  not  always  paid  with  the 
strictest  regularity,  and  their  necessities  were  oftentimes  met  by 
individual  donations,  he  yet  labored  on,  winning  souls  for  the 
Kingdom,  and  giving  his  personal  interest  to  the  welfare  of  the 
families  entrusted  to  his  pastoral  care. 

The  fifth  building  on  this  site  was  the  third  church,  a  reso- 
lution for  the  erection  of  which  was  passed  April  9,  1860.  The 
completion  of  this  building  was  greatly  delayed  by  conditions 

20 


PRELUDE  AND  THREADS  OF  HISTORY 

incident  to  the  Civil  War,  so  that  it  was  only  dedicated  in 
Januarj^  1864.  It  was  twice  thereafter  refitted  and  improved. 
In  1868,  an  addition  of  sixteen  feet  in  length  was  made  and 
galleries  erected,  further  improvements  being  made  in  1873. 

Into  this  building  came  a  new  pastor.  Rev.  John  Gillespie, 
D.D.,  first  as  co-pastor,  and  upon  the  resignation  of  Dr.  Mcll- 
vaine,  as  full  pastor  of  the  church. 

Dr.  Gillespie  is  still  held  in  affectionate  remembrance  by 
many  of  the  older  members  of  the  church.  He  seemed  to  have 
a  special  interest  in  and  influence  with  the  youth  of  the  con- 
gregation. For  some  years  he  conducted  what  was  familiarly 
known  as  "Children's  Church,"  a  service  held  especially  for 
the  young,  one  Sabbath  afternoon  in  each  month.  His  graphic 
portrayal  of  Bible  scenes  and  impressive  lessons  drawn  from 
Bible  characters  and  incidents  still  enrich  the  memory  of  those 
who  heard  them.  Another  interesting  feature  of  these  services 
was  the  reading  of  letters  from  our  representatives  on  the  mis- 
sion field,  usually  by  Mr.  Wm.  G.  Johnston,  who  at  that  time 
was  superintendent  of  the  Sabbath  school,  which  served  to 
stimulate  an  interest  in  missions  in  the  minds  of  the  youthful 
hearers. 

Mrs.  Barbara  A.  Negley  had  the  privilege  of  witnessing  the 
amazing  growth  of  the  church  until  a  third  building  was 
necessary.  The  following  records  prove  her  continued  interest 
in  the  work:  "April  21,  1862,  Mrs.  B.  A.  Negley,  one  of  the 
first  and  now  the  oldest  member  of  our  church,  has  offered  to 
purchase  one  of  the  celebrated  Meneely  bells." 

"April  22,  1867,  we  had,  as  before  reported,  in  the  sinking 
fund  account  $1,000.00,  which  Mrs.  B.  A.  Negley  contributed 
for  the  purpose  of  purchasing  a  bell.  This  sum  was  invested 
in  government  bonds,  making  with  its  interest  about  $1,200.00. 
Mrs.  Negley,  expressing  a  desire  that  we  should  procure  a  bell 
without  delay,  the  board  of  trustees  through  a  committee  ap- 
pointed for  that  purpose  contracted  with  and  had  made  and 
put  up  by  A.  Fulton  &  Company  of  Pittsburgh,  a  bell  weigh- 
ing 2,760  pounds  at  a  cost  of  $1,375.00 — the  amount  over  and 
above  the  amount  invested  in  the  sinking  fund  account  to  be 
supplied  by  the  said  Mrs.  Negley." 

21 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

The  bell  was  hung  during  the  week  the  donor  lay  on  her 
deathbed,  in  her  eighty-ninth  year.  As  it  was  being  tested  her 
windows  were  opened  in  the  hope  that  she  might  hear  its  tones. 
She  entered  into  rest  May  10,  1867,  and  on  Sabbath,  May  12, 
the  bell's  first  peals  tolled  her  requiem  as  her  remains  were 
being  carried  to  her  family  lot  in  the  Allegheny  Cemetery,  where 
with  her  husband  and  twelve  children,  four  having  died  in 
childhood,  she  awaits  the  resurrection  morn. 

Mrs.  Negley  was  a  consecrated,  altruistic  woman,  of  re- 
markable executive  ability,  which  was  evident  during  her  forty 
years  of  widowhood. 

Doubtless,  other  bells  have  rung  from  this  place  of  worship 
in  the  early  days,  but  for  more  than  fifty  years  this  bell,  so 
familiar  to  us,  has  pealed  in  melodious  tones  the  Gospel  mes- 
sage, "Come". 

When  the  present  edifice  in  which  we  worship  was  being 
erected,  the  bell  was  hung  on  a  scaffolding  built  for  the  pur- 
pose on  the  church  ground,  that  it  might  still  call  worshippers 
to  service  at  the  rink  on  Frankstown  avenue  near  Station  street, 
where  services  were  held  during  the  interim.  The  bell  has 
rung  for  the  passing  of  the  members  of  Mrs.  Negley's  immediate 
family,  and  for  public  events  of  special  significance. 

It  was  rung  at  the  opening  of  the  Centennial  Exhibition 
held  in  Philadelphia  in  1876,  as  well  as  at  the  opening  of  our 
congregational  centennial  on  the  evening  of  April  12,  1919. 

It  tolled  as  the  funeral  train  of  our  martyred  President  Me- 
Kinley  passed  through  the  city;  at  the  advent  of  each  New 
Year,   and  on  many  other  occasions. 

For  weeks  it  rang  a  call  for  prayer  daily  at  noon  during 
anxious  hours  of  the  recent  great  conflict,  and  its  joyous  notes 
pealed  an  acknowledgment  of  the  answer  to  prayer  in  victory 
for  the  great  cause,  when  on  November  11,  1918,  the  armistice 
was  signed. 

The  record  says:  "April  6,  1874 — Trustees  decided  to  al- 
low the  fire  department  to  connect  the  fire  alarm  telegraph  with 
the  church  bell,"  and  for  some  years  it  rang  its  notes  of  warn- 
ing. This  practice  was  later  discontinued,  there  being  a  fear 
that  the  bell  might  become  cracked,  and  some  objecting  to  the 
attendant  excitement. 

22 


PRELUDE  AND  THREADS  OF  HISTORY 

A  remarkable  coincidence  is  found  in  the  fact  that  but  two 
sextons  have  rung  this  bell,  which  has  hung  in  two  churches — 
Mr.  John  Grounds,  Sr.,  who,  in  1865,  entered  upon  the  duties 
of  this  responsible  office,  which  he  discharged  with  admirable 
efficiency.  He  passed  to  his  eternal  rest  April  6,  1908,  and 
was  succeeded  by  his  son,  Mr.  John  Grounds,  Jr.,  who  had 
for  many  years,  even  in  early  youth,  assisted  his  father,  and  on 
August  16,  1888  assumed  full  control. 

We  take  this  opportunity  to  record  a  tribute  of  sincere  es- 
teem and  profound  gratitude  to  "John,"  our  friend  and  co- 
worker, whose  unexcelled  devotion  for  forty-six  years  to  the 
best  interests  of  this  church,  and  consecration  to  the  welfare 
of  the  Master's  cause  in  this  branch  of  Zion,  is  worthy  of 
recorded  recognition. 

The  third  church  building,  like  the  first,  was  a  two-story 
structure,  the  upper  floor  being  the  main  auditorium,  the  lower 
being  used  for  prayer  meeting  and  Sabbath  school.  It  rose 
during  the  period  of  the  great  civil  strife  for  the  preservation 
of  the  Union,  the  cause,  together  with  the  abolition  of  slavery, 
so  dear  to  the  heart  of  the  noble,  tender  and  true  President 
Lincoln,  who  later  became  our  martyred  hero. 

On  Sabbath  evening,  June  14,  1863,  telegrams  from  the 
Secretary  of  War  and  others  reached  Pittsburgh  expressing 
fears  that  the  Army  of  General  Lee  was  about  to  invade  West- 
ern Pennsylvania. 

A  meeting  to  devise  plans  for  the  protection  of  the  city  was 
called  at  once.  Many  of  the  citizens  who  were  summoned  by 
messengers  to  this  meeting  were  at  church,  others  in  their 
homes,  but  they  were  speedily  gathered  for  consultation.  This 
conference  resulted  in  the  decision  that  all  workshops,  factories 
and  so  forth  should  be  closed  at  once,  and  that  all  men  capable 
of  performing  manual  labor  should  engage  in  erecting  earth- 
works around  what  was  then  the  transpontine  cities  of  Pitts- 
burgh and  Allegheny.  The  plans  were  laid  out  by  government 
engineers,  and  the  work  was  pushed  rapidly  for  two  weeks. 
Merchants  and  their  employees,  professional  men  and  students 
joined  with  day  laborers  in  this  patriotic  effort. 

Many  still  living  remember  these  historic  entrenchments, 
some  of  which  remained,  for  many  years  after  the  war,  in  East 

23 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

Liberty,  on  the  hillside  above  North  Negley  avenue.  Even 
though  the  archives  of  the  Southern  army  fail  to  show  that 
there  was  any  intention  to  invade  our  city,  yet  the  efforts  to 
fortify  helped  to  strengthen  the  patriotism  already  enkindled. 

We  have  the  honor  to  record  five  G.  A.  R.  veterans  on  our 
church  roll,  Roseman  Gardner,  John  Updegraff,  Dickson  C. 
Shaw,  Henry  P.  Krebs  and  Samuel  E.  Gill. 

Dr.  Gillespie  was  succeeded  in  this  third  church  building 
by  the  Rev.  Benjamin  L.  Agnew,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  who  filled  the 
position  with  grace  and  efficiency  for  sixteen  months.  His  pas- 
torate was  brief,  owing  to  the  unfavorable  effect  of  the  climate 
on  his  health,  but  in  that  brief  period  his  rich  pastoral  qualities, 
together  with  his  clear  and  forcible  presentation  of  the  truth, 
bore  lasting  fruit.  The  impress  of  his  vital  Christian  faith  and 
consecrated  personality  on  the  lives  which  he  touched  are  a 
blessed  memory  to  many. 

The  sixth  building  and  fourth  church  is  the  commodious 
structure  in  which  we  now  worship,  to  the  building  of  which 
the  congregation  was  largely  inspired  by  the  pastor  of  that 
period,  the  Rev.  J.  P.  E.  Kumler,  D.D.,  LL.D.  Dr.  Kumler's 
keen  vision  saw  the  necessity  arising  from  the  continuous  growth 
of  the  congregation,  and  grasped  the  scope  of  the  strategic  po- 
sition which  the  church  must  continue  to  hold  for  the  Master. 

An  interesting  record  in  this  connection  is  the  following: 
"A  letter  containing  six  dollars  for  the  new  church  was  re- 
ceived from  Master  Wm.  McDonald,  of  Highland  avenue, 
stating  that  it  was  the  first  money  he  had  earned  while  out  of 
school.  This  was  the  first  money  actually  paid  in  for  the  new 
church  building,  April  7,  1886." 

The  handsome  stained  glass  window  in  the  west  transept  was 
the  gift  of  the  late  Mrs.  Sarah  Negley  Mellon,  in  memory  of 
her  parents,  the  donors  of  the  property.  The  window  of  spe- 
cial design  on  the  east  wall  was  the  gift  of  the  Sabbath  school. 

September,  1888,  the  Sabbath  school  class  of  Miss  Alice  M. 
Negley,  composed  of  the  following  young  girls,  presented  the 
fine  communion  table:  Emma  Brinkman,  Bertha  Chidlow, 
Adah  Houston,  Blanche  Lloyd,  Maggie  McDonald,  Eleanor 
Mitchell,  Sara  Morris,  Margaretta  Patterson,  Una  Page,  Nel- 
lie Goff,  Elmina  Johnston,  Sadie  Batchelor,  Louise  Baker. 

24 


PRELUDE  AND  THREADS  OF  HISTORY 

This  building  was  dedicated  September  30,  1888. 

There  is  no  encumbrance  of  debt  attached  to  the  church 
property. 

The  devotion  and  loyalty  of  the  members  are  being  con- 
stantly shown  in  individual  contributions  toward  the  improve- 
ment and  refurnishing  of  the  Lord's  house,  which,  like  our 
homes,   requires  frequent  renewal. 

The  very  useful  and  beautiful  canopy  over  the  front  entrance 
was  the  thoughtful  gift  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Richard  B.  Mellon, 
Mrs.  Mellon  also  donating  a  large  United  States  flag  and  the 
flags  of  the  Allies  and  fine  Service  flag  which  adorn  the  main 
auditorium. 

The  rich  draperies  which  form  a  background  to  the  chapel 
pulpit,  with  other  necessities,  were  provided  by  the  generosity 
of  Mrs.  William  N.  Frew. 

The  beautiful  Service  flag  used  in  the  chapel  was  the  gift 
of  Miss  Cornelia  McCombs. 

The  fine  flagpole  presented  by  the  National  Tube  Co., 
through  the  influence  of  Mr.  Louis  V.  Sattele,  and  the  flag 
given  by  Mrs.  E.  M.  Bigelow,  which  were  dedicated  with 
appropriate  exercises  on  May  5,  1917,  are  also  much  appreci- 
ated. 

The  two  large  flags  xised  in  the  chapel  and  elsewhere  were 
the  gift  of  the  late  Henry  H.  Negley,  who  for  nineteen  years  as 
president  of  the  board  of  trustees,  rendered  devoted  service  to 
this  church. 

The  many  valued  material  gifts  of  the  late  John  F.  Scott, 
also  a  member  of  the  board  of  trustees,  so  modestly  bestowed, 
his  name  usually  being  withheld  at  his  imperative  request,  are 
constant  reminders  of  his  loyal  affection  for  the  church. 

The  needed  improvements  so  generously  supplied  by  Mrs. 
Wm.  M.  McKelvy,  and  the  untiring  efforts  of  many  individual 
members  toward  preparing  the  building  for  this  centennial 
celebration,  are  all  indications  of  consecrated  loyalty  worthy 
of  wide  emulation. 

Many,  both  men  and  women,  who  have  given  of  their  time 
and  strength  and  means,  in  some  cases  the  service  only  made 
Dossible  through  genuine  self-denial,  to  the  affectionate  care  of 

25 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY  PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

this,  their  church  home,  have  surely  earned  the  Master's  plaudit 
• — "She  hath  done  what  she  could."  May  we  not  each  earn 
this  tribute? 

The  Sabbath  school  has  always  been  an  important  factor 
in  the  life  of  this  church,  having  been  in  existence  somewhat 
more  than  one  hundred  years,  the  exact  date  of  organization 
not  being  known. 

The  first  superintendent  was  Mr.  John  Roup,  and  the  first 
teachers  were  Messrs.  Isaac  Harris  and  Luke  Loomis. 

The  first  Sabbath  school  class  was  composed  of  nine  pupils, 
only  the  names  of  four,  however,  having  been  preserved — 
George  G.  Negley,  Rebecca  Roup  (Mrs.  Wm.  Penn  Baum), 
Martha  Noble  (aunt  of  the  Misses  Agnes  and  Sarah  Aiken), 
and  Catharine  R.  Negley. 

As  far  back  as  March,  1869,  we  find  the  following  record: 
"Resolved,  to  remodel  the  first  story  of  the  church  so  as  to  afford 
a  comfortable  and  convenient  room  for  social  worship,  and  a 
room  adapted  to  the  wants  of  our  large  and  flourishing  Sab- 
bath school." 

The  record  of  attendance  contains  some  individual  instances 
of  faithfulness  unbroken  by  absence  in  many  years,  Mr.  Charles 
Price  having  an  unbroken  record  of  attendance  for  twenty- 
eight  years. 

The  continued  growth  of  the  school  in  1901  necessitated 
additional  facilities  for  Sunday  school  purposes.  A  committee 
consisting  of  George  A.  Kelly,  Chas.  H.  Riggs  and  S.  E.  Gill 
having  previously  been  appointed,  reported  at  the  congregational 
meeting  held  April  10,  1901,  in  favor  of  a  new  building  for 
the  Sunday  school. 

They  further  reported  that  a  communication  had  been  re- 
ceived from  the  members  of  Class  29  endorsing  the  project 
and  subscribing  twentj^-five  thousand  dollars  toward  the  cost 
of  the  new  building,  on  condition  that  it  be  named  the  Kumler 
Memorial  Chapel.  The  proposition  was  approved  and  a  build- 
ing committee  appointed. 

The  name  was  given  as  a  tribute  to  Dr.  Kumler,  whose  pas- 
torate of  seventeen  years  is  a  hallowed  memory  in  many 
hearts,  and  also  as  a  tribute  to  his  wife,  Mrs.  Abigail  Kumler, 

26 


PRELUDE  AND  THREADS  OF  HISTORY 

whose  faithful  and  efficient  service  in  the  Sunday  school  and 
missionary  work  of  the  church  is  thus  memorialized. 

Later,  plans  for  a  departmental  building,  suitable  for  graded 
instruction,  were  submitted  and  approved,  this  being,  as  far  as 
known,  the  first  Sunday  school  building  planned  specifically  for 
departmental  work  in  which  each  department  may  have  its 
own  opening  and  closing  service. 

Thus  on  December  31,  1902,  was  dedicated  the  seventh 
building  on  this  sacred  site,  erected  largely  through  the  gener- 
osity of  Mr.  James  I.  Buchanan.  It  is,  however,  so  united 
with  the  sixth  building  as  to  present  the  appearance  of  one 
structure. 

The  departmental  Sabbath  school  is  ably  superintended  by 
Elder  S.  E.  Gill,  and  a  faithful  corps  of  officers  and  teachers. 
Mr.  Gill  is,  at  present,  a  member  of  the  board  of  directors  of 
the  Allegheny  County  Sabbath  School  Association,  and  chair- 
man of  its  finance  committee,  and  in  1902-03  served  as  presi 
dent  of  that  organization.  He  has  also  been,  for  many  years, 
chairman  of  the  temperance  committee  of  the  State  Sabbath 
School  Association,  and  has  taken  an  active  part  in  the  suc- 
cessful efforts  which  resulted  in  the  recent  passage  of  the  Na- 
tional Prohibition  Amendment. 

Bible  classes  conducted  for  the  older  members,  both  men  and 
women,  have  always  been  a  feature  of  this  Sunday  school. 

Class  29,  founded  in  1872,  has  been  a  potent  factor  in 
the  Sabbath  school.  Dr.  Thomas  D.  Davis  was  the  first 
teacher,  who  possessed  an  extensive  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures, 
with  marked  ability  in  imparting  that  knowledge.  Dr.  Davis 
and  others  conducted  the  class  until  the  year  1883,  when  Mr. 
James  I.  Buchanan  became  the  leader,  and  for  more  than  thirty- 
five  years  has  continued  in  this  labor  of  love. 

To  a  profound  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures  and  implicit 
faith  in  their  inspiration  as  the  Word  of  God,  Mr.  Buchanan 
adds  personal  consecration  in  the  service  of  the  Master,  and 
his  position  as  leader  of  Class  29  for  so  many  years  has  afforded 
him  the  opportunity  to  instruct  hundreds  in  the  way  of  life, 
whose  lives  have  been  blessed  by  his  faithful  and  efficient  serv- 
ice.    In  1893,  the  class  was  formally  organized,  being  as  far 

27 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

as  known,  the  first  organized  Bible  class  in  this  city.  Delight- 
ful social  evenings  have  served  to  strengthen  the  strong  bond 
of  attachment  between  leader  and  class. 

Mr.  Albert  H.  Kemerer,  of  revered  memory,  was  the  founder 
of  the  Chinese  department.  Though  not  now  an  organized 
class,  yet  Class  29  continues  to  flourish,  the  membership  at  times 
during  its  history  having  passed  above  the  two  hundred  mark. 
The  consecrated  efforts  of  the  late  William  T.  Lantz  were 
an  efficient  factor  in  building  up  the  large  membership  of 
Class  29. 

Our  co-member,  Mr.  Henry  J.  Heinz,  has  a  world-wide  rep- 
utation as  a  promoter  of  progressive  Sabbath  school  work. 
Besides  being  chairman  of  the  American  section  of  the  World's 
S.  S.  Association,  he  has  had  official  connection  with  the  In- 
ternational Association,  is  president  of  the  Pennsylvania  S.  S. 
Association  and  a  member  of  the  board  of  directors  of  the  Alle- 
gheny County  S.  S.  Association. 

On  April  22,  1902,  occurred  the  installation  services  of  the 
Rev.  Frank  Woolford  Sneed,  D.D.,  the  fifth  pastor  of  this 
church. 

For  seventeen  years  Dr.  Sneed  has  ministered  to  this  con- 
gregation with  faithfulness  and  devotion.  His  labors  in  the 
pulpit  and  the  home  have  been  signally  blessed,  and  the  church 
has  grown  steadily  in  its  membership  and  breadth  of  service 
under  his  leadership. 

Dr.  Sneed  is  endowed  with  remarkable  facility  of  expres- 
sion in  the  presentation  of  the  fundamentals  of  our  faith,  and 
his  sermons  are  strikingly  suggestive  and  illuminating.  He  and 
his  noble  wife  enter  into  the  joys  and  sorrows  of  the  flock  with 
rare  sincerity  and  sympathy.  Mrs.  Sneed's  consecrated  and 
gracious  personality  leaves  a  blessed  impress  on  the  lives  which 
she  touches. 

Among  the  manifestations  of  affectionate  esteem  in  which 
Dr.  Sneed  is  held  by  his  people  is  the  tribute  paid  him  on  the 
tenth  anniversary  of  his  pastorate.  This  occasion  was  made 
memorable  by  the  congregation  raising  the  sum  of  ten  thousand 
dollars  in  his  honor,  which  was  applied  to  providing  a  new  and 
much-needed  dormitory  for  the  Cebu  Mission,  Philippine 
Islands,  named  The  Sneed  Dormitory  for  Boys. 

28 


PRELUDE  AND  THREADS  OF  HISTORY 

The  Presbyterian  Mission  Station  at  Cebu  was  opened  in 
1902  by  the  Rev.  and  Mrs.  Frederick  Jansen,  who  were  later 
reinforced  by  the  Rev.  James  A.  Graham,  M.D.,  and  Mrs. 
Graham.  After  many  years  of  valued  service  at  Cebu,  they 
were  transferred  to  other  needy  fields  on  the  Islands,  where 
they  continue  to  render  similar  faithful  service. 

In  1907  the  Rev.  George  W,  Dunlap,  D.D.,  and  Mrs.  Dun- 
lap  were  placed  at  the  head  of  this  station  by  the  Board  of 
Foreign  Missions,  by  whom  also  the  mission  was  placed  entirely 
under  the  care  of  the  East  Liberty  Presbyterian  Church.  Dr.  and 
Mrs.  Dunlap  and  their  helpers  have  been  the  means  of  conduct- 
ing a  wonderful  evangelistic  work  among  Americans  and 
Europeans  as  well  as  among  the  natives. 

The  first  Protestant  mission  in  the  Philippines  was  opened 
by  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  this  being  the  only  foreign 
missionary  field  under  the  American  flag,  patriotism  adds  to 
our  Christian  interest  in  it. 

In  1916,  in  response  to  a  plea  made  by  Dr.  Dunlap  from  the 
pulpit  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  J.  Mathews,  in  memory  of  Mr. 
Mathews'  father,  John  Mathews,  donated  one  thousand  dol- 
lars to  purchase  and  equip  the  "Mt.  Rest  Home,"  accessibly 
located  on  the  mountains  above  the  mission,  where  our  mis- 
sionaries may  at  times  enjoy  a  period  of  relaxation  and  re- 
freshment from  the  extreme  heat  of  the  islands. 

During  Dr.  Kumler's  pastorate,  the  Rev.  John  B.  Brandt  was 
assistant  to  the  pastor  for  one  year. 

During  a  portion  of  Dr.  Sneed's  ministry,  the  following 
assistants  have  served:  Mr.  J.  R.  Hainer,  as  Sabbath  school 
director;  the  Rev.  Victor  Bucher,  the  Rev.  G.  A.  Frantz,  the 
Rev.  George  M.  Duft"  and  the  Rev.  H.  A.  Gearhart,  who  is  at 
present  filling  the  position  of  assistant  pastor  with  consecrated 
efficiency. 

Many  able  ministers  have  filled  this  pulpit  acceptably  for 
prolonged  periods,  during  the  interim  betvveen  pastors,  and  at 
times   during  their  enforced   absence. 

The  late  Rev.  Samuel  H.  Kellogg,  D.D.,  will  long  be  re- 
membered by  his  fine  and  lucid  exposition  of  divine  truth, 
which  left  an  indelible  impression.  His  son.  Dr.  Frederick  S. 
Kellogg,  is  now  serving  as  an  elder. 

29 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY  PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

Our  esteemed  friend,  the  Rev.  David  R.  Breed,  D.D.,  is 
alwa5^s  welcome  to  this  pulpit,  and  never  fails  to  bring  the  divine 
message  in  a  helpful  and  illuming  manner. 

The  pastoral  work  of  the  Rev.  Joseph  F.  Gibson,  D.D.,  is 
affectionately  remembered  in  many  homes. 

The  mid-week  prayer  meeting,  binding  together  as  it  does, 
the  precious  influences  of  the  Lord's  days,  is  a  powerful  influ- 
ence in  maintaining  the  proper  attitude  of  spirituality  in  life  and 
service.  It  is,  in  a  sense,  the  thermometer  of  a  church's  life, 
measuring  the  warmth  of  its  devotion.  We  may  not  read  this 
index  merely  in  the  numbers  in  attendance,  but  much  more 
in  the  quality  of  the  consecration  and  the  impelling  power  of 
the  Spirit  that  is  manifest. 

The  prayer  meeting  has  been  one  of  the  quiet  but  vital 
forces  in  this  church's  life,  and  rejoicing  in  its  past  and  present 
eflliciency,  we  bespeak  for  it  in  the  new  era  a  larger  share  of 
that  holy  devotion  which  the  Master  would  accord  it  in  the 
experience  of  His  followers. 

In  consulting  the  early  records,  there  is  abundant  oppor- 
tunity for  a  study  in  contrasts  between  the  conditions  existing 
then  as  compared  with  the  luxurious  appointments  of  the 
present. 

In  the  expense  account,  candles  and  oil  are  frequent  items ;  in 
1865  gas  was  introduced,  and  not  until  1887  was  electric  light 
installed  for  illuminating  purposes.  A  similar  development 
from  the  early  coal  stove  for  heating  to  the  use  of  natural  gas, 
and  on  up  to  the  present  fine  hot  water  system  is  obvious. 

The  music  has  grown  from  the  early  days  of  the  precentor 
and  his  tuning  fork  and  the  Metrical  Psalm  and  Hymn  Book, 
from  which  two  lines  were  read  by  the  leader,  books  being 
scarce,  after  which  he  led  in  the  singing  of  the  same  lines,  when 
two  more  were  read  and  sung.  Elder  Burchfield  long  served 
in  this  capacity,  and  his  tuning  fork  and  well-worn  Psalm  Book, 
used  back  in  the  forties,  now  rest  in  the  archives  of  the  church, 
having  been  presented,  along  with  other  relics,  by  his  son.  Dr. 
J.  P.  Burchfield.  A  number  of  other  members  of  the  church 
also  served  as  precentor  at  different  periods,  Mr.  Moses  Phil- 
lips, Mr.  Ferree  and  others. 

30 


PRELUDE  AND  THREADS  OF  HISTORY 

Passing  on  to  the  era  of  the  little  melodeon,  the  conscientious 
protest  against  the  introduction  of  instrumental  music  strikes  a 
vein  of  humor  in  the  light  of  the  present  range  of  thought. 
The  volunteer  choir  was  once  considered  an  innovation,  and 
ere  long  a  petition  is  offered  for  a  paid  leader,  which  is  duly 
granted.  One  record  gives  this  paid  leader  the  privilege  of 
holding  a  pay  concert  to  help  meet  the  organist's  salary,  whom 
he  is  commissioned  to  select.  One  pipe  organ  succeeds  another, 
each  more  elaborate  in  mechanism  than  the  last,  the  piano  takes 
the  place  of  the  organ  in  prayer  meeting  and  Sabbath  school. 

Today,  we  see  the  century's  development  culminating  in  our 
splendid  quartette,  under  the  skilled  directorship  of  Mrs.  James 
Stephen  Martin,  who  with  her  late  husband,  have  contributed 
much  to  the  musical  development  of  the  church. 

In  the  early  daj^s,  devoted  members  of  the  church  cared  for 
its  finances,  some  serving  as  treasurer  gratuitously,  others  re- 
ceiving a  small  commission,  but  the  financial  work  of  the  church 
grew  to  such  proportions  as  to  require  the  entire  time  of  an 
employed  treasurer  and  general  secretary  with  an  equipped  office 
at  the  church. 

June  1,  1904,  Mr.  R.  R.  M.  Thorne  entered  upon  this 
work  and  served  with  efficiency  for  fourteen  years.  Miss  Ber- 
tha Griffith,  a  devoted  member  of  the  church,  also  rendered 
valued    service   for   five   years. 

"Strength  and  beauty  are  in  His  sanctuary,"  and  there  has 
been  an  interesting  development  in  the  decorating  line  from 
the  days  when  members  of  the  church  with  an  aesthetic  taste 
devoted  the  necessary  Saturday  in  the  woods  to  cull  the  branches 
and  flowers  to  adorn  the  house  of  God,  others  depleting  their 
private  conservatories  to  contribute — on  through  the  various 
amateur  efforts  to  the  present  more  elaborate  systematic  weekly 
decorations  of  the  pulpit  on  the  Lord's  Day,  with  the  memorial 
Sabbaths  when  loved  ones  are  remembered  by  a  floral  tribute. 
After  fulfilling  their  mission  in  the  church,  the  flowers  are 
later  sent  to  cheer  and  encourage  the  sick  and  the  sorrowing 
in  homes  and  hospitals,  bearing  a  beautiful  message  of  remem- 
brance from  the  altar  of  their  own  beloved  church. 

Mrs.  Carrie  Henry  Normecutt  has  long  conducted  this  work 

31 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

with  admirable  grace  and  efficiency,  with  the  capable  assistance 
of  Mrs.  Chas.  Curry  and  other  helpers. 

Stately  and  artistic  have  been  some  of  these  tributes  of  affec- 
tion, the  Thanksgiving  Harvest  Home,  Christmas  and  Easter 
having  been  memorably  appropriate  to  the  respective  occasions. 
Stated  memorial  tributes  are  now  on  record  to  the  following 
loved  ones:  Mrs.  Alexander  King  on  Thanksgiving,  Mrs. 
Charles  Lockhart  on  Easter,  Judge  and  Mrs.  Thomas  Mellon 
on  Christmas  and  the  New  Year,  Dr.  J.  P.  E.  Kumler,  Mr. 
Henry  H.  Negley,  Mr.  Alfred  Hicks,  Mrs.  Thomas  Marshall, 
Mrs.  Sarah  Hart,  Mrs.  Harriett  L.  Rook,  Mrs.  Joseph  Z. 
Wainwright,  Mrs.  Thomas  S.  Maple,  Dr.  Henry  W.  Fulton, 
Mr.  Wm.  N.  Frew,  Mr.  D.  Porter  Corwin,  Mrs.  Anna  Bar- 
bara Negley  Brick,  two  Sabbaths;  Mr.  Wm.  M.  McKelvy,  Mr. 
O.  H.  Allerton,  Mrs.  John  P.  Ewing,  Mr.  John  H.  McKelvy, 
Mr.  E.  M.  Bigelow.  Mr.  H.  J.  Heinz  provides  for  four 
Sabbaths  throughout  the  year. 

The  following  organizations,  also,  have  a  stated  Sabbath  for 
their  floral  contribution:  The  Women's  Home  Missionary 
Society,  the  Women's  Foreign  Missionary  Society,  the  Chinese 
Sabbath  School  Class,  the  Cheerful  Givers  Band,  the  Woman's 
Monday  Evening  Missionary  Society,  the  Buds  of  Promise 
Mission  Band,  the  Fidelis  Missionary  Society,  and  the  Young 
People's  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor. 

One  permanent  memorial  has  been  established  along  this 
line,  which  we  hope  may  be  the  signal  for  many  others.  The 
late  Mr.  Joseph  K.  Brick,  of  Philadelphia,  bequeathed  to  the 
East  Liberty  Presbyterian  Church  in  trust  the  sum  of  five 
hundred  dollars  to  be  invested  and  the  income  applied  to  pro- 
viding flowers  for  the  pulpit  in  memory  of  his  deceased  wife, 
Mrs.  Anna  Barbara  Negley  Brick,  who  previous  to  her  mar- 
riage and  subsequent  residence  in  Philadelphia  was  a  devoted 
and  active  member  of  this  church  and  Sabbath  school. 

By  the  means  thus  outlined,  provision  is  made  for  more  than 
thirty  Sabbaths  in  the  year. 

The  manner  of  observance  of  the  Lord's  Supper  has 
passed  through  several  stages  of  transition.  Mr.  James  R. 
Mellon  recalls  the  communion  service  as  held  in  early  days, 
when  there  was  a  long  table  spread  with  pure  white  linen,  in 

32 


PRELUDE  AND  THREADS  OF  HISTORY 

front  of  the  pulpit,  on  which  were  arranged  plates  of  the 
sacramental  bread  and  high  silver  pitchers  and  goblets  for  the 
sacramental  wine. 

After  the  consecration  prayer  by  Dr.  Mcllvaine,  and  a  re- 
cital of  the  Scriptural  account  of  the  institution  of  the  Sacra- 
ment, the  pastor  and  elders  partook.  The  communicants  then 
gathered  around  the  table  in  successive  relays  until  all  were 
served.  Mr.  Mellon  says  so  impressive  to  him  was  this  early 
observance  that  in  after  years  it  seemed  sacrilegious  to  see  the 
elements  served  in  the  pews,  under  the  name  of  the  Lord's  Table. 

This  manner  of  observance  was  followed  by  passing  the  ele- 
ments to  the  communicants  in  the  pews,  the  large  silver  gob- 
lets being  used.  At  the  communion  service  held  December, 
1903,  individual  cups  were  used  for  the  first  time. 

The  vast  potency  exerted  by  a  religious  center  such  as  has 
been  maintained  here  for  one  hundred  years  is  beyond  human 
computation. 

Among  the  many  influences  for  good  which  have  had  their 
inception,  or  received  fostering  care  from  this  church  may  be 
mentioned  the  East  Liberty  Young  Women's  Christian  Associ- 
ation, the  final  steps  in  the  organization  of  which  took  place 
March  22,  1875.  This  Association  is  the  outcome  of  a  re- 
vival conducted  in  the  East  Liberty  Church,  when  a  group  of 
young  women,  all  members  of  this  church,  pledged  themselves 
as  an  organization  to  devote  their  time  and  talents  to  launch- 
ing what  is  now  popularly  known  as  "social  service."  To  this 
end  they  inaugurated  the  first  Y.  W.  C.  A.  in  Pittsburgh,  the 
East  Liberty  Association.  In  the  early  days,  the  meetings  were 
held  in  the  various  churches,  and  a  missionary  employed  for 
local  work,  the  churches  sharing  the  expense.  For  many  years, 
Miss  Margaret  Forsythe,  a  consecrated  and  devoted  member 
here,  served  in  this  capacity. 

The  church  has  also  kept  in  vital  touch,  through  many  of  its 
members,  with  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  East 
Liberty,  which  for  some  years  has  been  our  near  neighbor. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  A.  Taggart,  a  member  of  the  Pittsburgh 
Presbytery,  and  a  worshipper  in  this  church,  whose  family  are 
still  with  us,  was  the  first  State  secretary  of  Y.  M.  C.  A.  work 
in  the  country.    He  was  State  secretary  of  Pennsylvania  for 

33 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

seventeen  years,  and  accompanied  the  late  Dwight  L.  Moody 
upon  several  tours.  His  son,  Mr.  William  R.  Taggart,  w^as 
for  more  than  six  years  general  secretary  of  the  East  Liberty 
Branch,  and  for  four  and  a  half  years  assistant  secretary  of  the 
Central  Y.  M.  C.  A.  at  Penn  and  Seventh  avenues. 

For  the  precious  heritage  recorded  and  all  the  blessed  way 
by  which  the  Lord  our  God  has  led  us,  we  render  humble 
thanks  to  Him  whose  wondrous  grace  alone  has  made  the 
record  possible. 

Precious  memories  cluster  around  this  sacred  spot  to  many 
of  us,  memories  of  sweet  fellowship  in  the  work  of  the  Master, 
and  memories  of  the  loved  ones  who  led  us  in  the  way  of  life. 

After  scanning  the  records  of  the  century,  with  such  wealth 
of  material,  it  is  indeed  difficult  to  make  selection,  and  such 
selection,  however  conscientiously  made,  is  sure  to  bear  the 
marks  of  human  limitation,  for  which  your  clemency  is  craved. 

As  in  fancy,  blending  into  memory,  we  look  down  the  vista 
of  the  years,  it  is  a  matter  of  regret  that  the  limitations  of 
space  forbid  the  relation  of  so  much  of  interest,  and  especially 
detailed  reference  to  the  personnel  which  passes  in  review. 

So  many  noble  characters  among  officers  and  members  have 
blessed  this  church  in  their  lives  and  service  for  the  Master, 
their  record  would  surely  prove  a  stimulus  to  us  of  the  present 
day,  but  we  must  forbear  to  treat  of  the  personnel  except  where 
historic  accuracy  seems  to  impel. 

Let  us  rejoice  in  the  happy  realization  that  the  record  on 
high  is  faultless  and  complete,  and  that  their  victory  is  won 
through  the  Master  whom  they  so  faithfully  served,  and  with 
the  dross  of  earth  all  washed  away,  the  pure  gold  shines  re- 
splendent in  His  presence  where  is  fulness  of  joy,  at  His  right 
hand,  where  there  are  pleasures  forevermore. 


34 


5ermons  and  Addresses 


THE  REV.  JOHN   GILLESPIE,   D.D. 
Second  Pastor. 


HISTORICAL  SERMON 

Delivered  September  28,  1873,  on  the  Occasion  of  the 

Forty-Fifth  Anniversary  of  the  Organization 

By  THE  Rev.  John  Gillespie,  D.  D. 

"And  thou  shalt  remember  all  the  way  which  the 
Lord  thy  God  led  thee  these  forty  years  in  the  luilder- 
ness,  to  humble  thee,  and  to  prove  thee." — Deuter- 
onomv  viii  :2, 


^^HIS  was  among  the  last  charges  of  "Moses,  the 
®  man  of  God,"  to  the  chosen  people.     It  was  issued 


\^  just  before  he  surrendered  his  commission  as  leader 
liof  the  host  of  Israel.  The  wilderness  march  was 
completed.  Its  vicissitudes  and  conflicts,  its  perplexities  and 
discouragements,  its  discipline  and  pupilage  were  ended.  The 
people  stood  now  on  the  threshold  of  Canaan.  But  into  that 
land  the  faithful,  heroic,  yet  erring  leader  was  not  to  enter. 
The  time  of  his  departure  was  at  hand.  At  the  Divine  sum- 
mons he  was  soon  to  lay  aside  his  robes  of  office,  resign  his 
commission  to  the  man  who  was  to  muster  the  forces  for  the 
conquest,  and  ascend  Mount  Ncbo  to  die.  These  impressive 
circumstances,  whether  known  to  Moses  at  the  time  of  its  ut- 
terance or  no,  invest  the  charge  of  the  text  with  all  the  solemn- 
ity of  a  dying  injunction. 

The  wilderness  experience  had  been  a  checkered  experience. 
It  was  rich  in  its  tokens  of  God's  power,  God's  wisdom,  God's 
goodness ;  but  it  abounded  scarcely  less  with  evidence  of  hu- 
man weakness,  human  folly,  human  guilt.  But  such  as  it 
was,  it  was  to  be  remembered,  not  forgotten — and  remembered 
to  the  praise  of  God's  glorious  grace.  Such  a  hallowed  remem- 
brance of  God's  dealings  with  the  chosen  people  would  tend  to 
subdue  their  pride,  to  excite  their  gratitude,  to  inspire  them 
with  confidence,  to  stimulate  their  energy — in  a  word,  to  lead 
them  to  humble,  unreserved  consecration  to  the  worship  and 
service  of  Jehovah. 

37 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY  PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

With  the  text  as  our  warrant  and  aim,  it  is  proposed  to 
pause  today  to  trace  the  history  of  East  Liberty  Presbyterian 
Church — to  remember  all  the  way  which  the  Lord  our  God 
has  led  us  these  five  and  forty  years. 

A  church,  like  a  mountain  stream,  may  be  said  to  have  a 
visible  and  an  invisible  source;  a  source  which  is  readily  dis- 
covered, and  one  which  lies  mainly  hidden  from  human  sight. 
The  visible  source  of  the  stream,  is  the  place  where  it  first 
bursts  into  view  gushing  from  the  mountain  side.  Its  invisible 
source  is  the  thousand  subterranean  springs,  whose  trickling 
rivulets  combine  to  form  the  stream,  but  which  lie  far  removed 
from  human  sight.  The  visible  source,  or  starting  point  of  a 
church,  is  the  date  of  its  organization,  when,  under  the  seal  of 
ecclesiastical  authority,  it  is  moulded  into  form  and  equipped 
for  work.  That  source  it  is  not  difficult  to  find.  The  date 
of  a  church's  organization  is  usually  engrossed  upon  ecclesiasti- 
cal records  and  incorporated  with  written  history.  But  lying 
back  of  this  there  is  properly  another  source  or  starting  point, 
springs  of  interest,  and  influence,  and  prayerful  effort,  which 
combine  to  form  the  church  or  lead  to  its  organization.  Many 
such  springs,  starting  at  various  intervals  in  the  decade  imme- 
diately preceding  the  organization  of  this  church,  springs  withal 
somewhat  difficult  to  find,  combined  to  form  the  visible  source 
of  this  church  of  Jesus  Christ. 

EARLY  RELIGIOUS  PRIVILEGES  OF  EAST  LIBERTY  VALLEY 
The  handsome  enclosure  within  which  the  present  edifice 
stands  is  pre-eminently  the  sacred  spot  of  East  Liberty  valley. 
The  successive  structures  which  rose  upon  it  afforded  for  a 
time  almost  the  only  religious  privileges  enjoyed  by  the  early 
settlers.  These  privileges,  prior  to  A.  D.  1819,  however,  were 
sufficiently  meagre.  They  consisted  chiefly  in  religious  services 
held  at  irregular  intervals,  by  ministers  of  various  evangelical 
denominations,  in  a  frame  school  house,  erected  by  Mr.  Jacob 
Negley,  Sr.,  near  the  site  of  our  present  house  of  worship. 

FIRST  HOUSE  OF  WORSHIP 
In  A.  D.  1819  this  unpretending  structure  was  supplanted  by 
an  edifice  by  no  means  imposing,  and  yet  sufficiently  unique  to 
entitle  it  to  special  mention.     It  was  built  upon  a  lot  of  ground 

38 


SERMONS   AND  ADDRESSES 

said  to  comprise  an  acre  and  a  half,  extending  from  a  line 
a  few  feet  east  of  the  present  building  to  the  boundary  line  of 
the  church  lot  on  the  west.  The  lot  was  the  gift  of  Mrs.  Bar- 
bara A.  Negley,  and  its  estimated  value  was  $750.  The  deed, 
which  was  executed  April  12,  1819,  conveyed  the  property  to 
certain  persons  to  be  held  in  trust  for  the  "East  Liberty  Pres- 
byterian Congregation,"  The  lot  being  secured,  a  subscription, 
amounting  to  $l,561.62i/^,  was  immediately  raised  for  the 
purpose,  as  the  old  record  specifies,  of  building  "a  school  and 
meeting  house ;  said  meeting  house  to  be  for  the  use  of  the  Pres- 
byterian congregation,  called  the  East  Liberty  Congregation." 

In  carrying  out  the  plan  of  combining  the  school  and  the 
church,  a  subsequent  record  mentions  the  appointment  of  T.  H. 
Finley  as  schoolmaster,  with  direction  to  ring  the  bell  at  9 
A.  ]VI.  and  1  P.  M.  The  trustees  also  resolved  to  visit  the 
school  at  least  twice  each  quarter,  for  the  purpose  of  examining 
the  pupils  in  their  studies. 

The  building  just  referred  to  was  of  brick,  and  stood  partly 
on  the  site  occupied  by  the  present  edifice.  It  was  forty-four 
feet  square,  and  was  built  with  one  corner  towards  the  Greens- 
burg  turnpike  (now  Penn  avenue),  thus  presenting  a  double 
front.  The  roof  was  supported  by  a  pillar  in  the  center,  which 
projected  some  distance  above,  and  was  finished  so  as  to  har- 
monize with  the  other  parts  of  the  building.  By  the  time  the 
shell  was  built,  however,  the  roof  put  on,  and  the  floor  laid, 
the  treasury  was  exhausted,  and  the  trustees  were  heavily  in- 
debted to  Mr.  Jacob  Negley,  Sr.  To  finish  the  structure  was 
impossible.  A  pulpit  was  erected  in  one  corner,  benches,  with- 
out supports  for  the  back,  answered  the  purpose  of  pews,  and 
there  the  people  enjoyed  such  religious  services  as  were  within 
their  reach, 

EAST  LIBERTY  IN   1819 

Such  a  modest  temple  for  God's  worship  may  strike  us 
strangely.  But  let  it  be  remembered  that  when  erected,  it 
stood  second  to  few,  if  any,  of  the  improvements  that  then 
dotted  the  valley.  To  realize  this,  blot  from  the  mental  canvas 
the  East  Liberty  of  to-day,  with  its  palatial  residences,  its 
substantial  business  structures,  its  splendid  educational  edifices, 

39 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

its  well-paved  streets,  and  its  magnificent  projected  improve- 
ments. With  the  church  as  a  center,  let  the  imagination  repro- 
duce the  East  Liberty  of  1819.  On  the  north  side  of  w^hat  is 
now  Penn  avenue,  and  a  little  east  of  the  church,  fix  a  plain 
dwelling  house,  partly  log  and  partly  frame — just  demolished  to 
make  way  for  modern  structures.  Upon  the  site  of  the  City 
Deposit  Bank  and  adjacent  business  houses,  plant  a  frame  steam 
mill.  Where  the  Denison  block  now  stands,  imagine  a  dilapi- 
dated old  tavern,  with  extensive  stabling.  Immediately  in  the 
rear  of  this,  place  a  little  frame  house  of  two  or  three  rooms. 
A  little  to  the  east,  on  the  site  of  the  Union  Hotel,  add  to  that 
little  group,  a  frame  house,  comparatively  new.  Crossing  what 
is  now  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad,  plant  another  frame  house 
where  the  American  House  now  stands.  Returning  to  the 
south  of  the  avenue  and  west  of  the  railroad,  immediately  in 
the  rear  of  Liberty  Hall,  imagine  an  old  log  tavern,  originally 
Thompson's  Tavern,  subsequently  Beitler's.  Fix  the  Black 
Horse  Tavern  on  the  present  site  of  Mr.  Frank  Ardary's  resi- 
dence, and  the  old  Negley  mansion  at  the  corner  of  Negley 
and  Stanton  avenues,  then  dot  the  valley  here  and  there  with 
small  log  and  frame  houses,  mostly  tenements,  and  you  have  the 
East  Liberty  of  1819.  Nor  does  the  picture  present  a  strange 
contrast  with  the  Pittsburgh  of  that  day.  The  city  was  in  its 
infancy,  having  been  chartered  but  three  years  before.  It  is 
stated,  on  reliable  authority,  that  at  that  time  its  houses  num- 
bered but  a  little  over  1,400  all  told,  and  that  its  population 
scarcely  exceeded  7,000  souls. 

From  this  brief  survey,  it  will  be  seen  that  the  first  house 
erected  on  this  lot  for  the  worship  of  God,  sustained  quite  as 
high  a  ratio  to  the  improvements  of  half  a  century  ago,  as  our 
more  imposing  structure  sustains  to  the  East  Liberty  of  to-day. 

Although  the  lot  was  given,  and  the  house  erected,  for  a  Pres- 
byterian congregation,  there  was  no  stated  worship  held  in  it, 
according  to  the  Presbyterian  form,  till  February,  1828.  Mean- 
while occasional  service  had  been  held  in  the  unfinished  struc- 
ture, by  ministers  of  various  evangelical  denominations,  mostly 
German  Reformed,  Methodist  and  Presbyterian.  In  addition 
to  this,  a  Sabbath  school  had  been  organized,  numbering,  at  its 
first  session,  eleven  persons  in  all:     Messrs.  Luke  Loomis  and 

40 


SERMONS   AND   ADDRESSES 

Isaac  Harris,  with  nine  children  as  their  pupils.  This  Sab- 
bath school,  it  is  believed,  has  been  continued  almost  without 
interruption  till  the  present,  so  that  our  school  may  be  regarded 
as  having  attained  and  passed  the  venerable  age  of  half  a 
century. 

THE  CHURCH  A  MISSION  ENTERPRISE 
This  church,  like  thousands  more  in  this  broad  land,  is  in  a 
sense  the  child  of  the  "Board  of  Missions,"  now  the  Board  of 
Home  Missions.  On  the  eighth  of  February,  1828,  the  Board 
commissioned  Rev.  John  Joyce  to  "publish  the  Gospel,  and 
administer  its  ordinances,  in  the  neighborhood  of  Pittsburgh, 
Pennsylvania,  at  discretion."  Mr.  Joyce  was  a  native  of  Ire- 
land, and  originally  a  minister  of  the  Wesleyan  Methodist 
Church  in  his  native  country.  Emigrating  to  the  United 
States  A.  D.  1809,  he  connected  himself  with  one  of  our  East- 
ern Presbyteries,  and  labored  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia  for 
several  years.  Subsequently  he  spent  ten  j'^ears  in  the  South, 
preaching  the  Gospel,  returning  North  A.  D.  1827.  From 
some  of  his  private  and  public  letters,  which,  through  the 
kindness  of  a  surviving  sister,  have  been  submitted  to  my  in- 
spection, and  from  the  uniform  testimony  of  living  witnesses, 
it  is  evident  that  Mr.  Joyce  was  just  the  man  for  the  work  to 
which  he  was  appointed.  To  a  good  measure  of  intellectual 
ability  and  culture,  he  added  eminent  piety,  untiring  energy, 
marked  sweetness  and  tenderness  of  disposition,  a  thorough 
knowledge  of  human  nature,  and  withal  burning  love  for  souls. 
In  the  exercise  of  the  discretionary  power  given  him  by  the 
Board  of  Missions,  he  selected  East  Liberty  as  a  field  of  labor 
"in  the  neighborhood  of  Pittsburgh."  The  field  ripened  much 
within  the  few  years  preceding,  and  was  whiter  than  ever  for 
the  harvest.  The  population  had  largely  increased,  and  em- 
braced a  few  families,  at  least,  who  were  anxious  for  the  Word 
of  Life,  while  the  drinking  and  other  vicious  habits  of  the  com- 
munity, plainly  marked  it  as  a  mission  field. 

The  missionary  found  in  Mr.  Francis  G.  Bailey,  who  had 
recently  moved  to  East  Liberty,  a  zealous  supporter  and  earnest 
coworker  in  his  new  field.  Fresh  from  the  power  of  a  precious 
revival  that  had  quickened  the  Pittsburgh  churches,  that  man 

41 


SERMONS   AND   ADDRESSES 

of  God  addressed  himself  at  once  to  the  work  of  planting  the 
Church  in  East  Liberty.  Immediately  after  stated  public  wor- 
ship was  begun  by  Mr,  Joyce,  Mr.  Bailey  canvassed  the  com- 
munity with  a  petition  to  the  Presbytery  of  Redstone,  within 
w^hose  territory  this  region  then  lay,  praying  for  a  church  or- 
ganization in  East  Liberty.  The  families  immediately  inter- 
ested appointed  Messrs.  John  Roup  and  Francis  G.  Bailey  a 
committee  to  present  their  petition  to  the  Presbytery  April  1, 
1828.  Fidelity  to  history  requires  it  to  be  stated  that  the  ap- 
plication met  with  spirited  opposition,  chiefly  from  the  repre- 
sentatives of  Beulah  Church,  some  five  miles  distant,  who  re- 
garded the  proposed  enterprise  as  a  serious  infringement  upon 
their  congregational  boundaries.  As  illustrative  of  the  esti- 
mate then  put  upon  East  Liberty,  it  was  soberly  afHirmed  dur- 
ing the  discussion,  "There  is  nobody  in  East  Liberty  to  make  a 
church — there  are  no  Presbyterians  there  to  form  the  organiza- 
tion." To  this  Mr.  Bailey,  as  chief  spokesman  for  the  peti- 
tioners, modestly  replied:  "There  are  plenty  of  people  there, 
and  we  expect  to  have  them  converted,  and  they  will  make  the 
church."  The  prayer  of  the  petitioners  was  finally  granted, 
and  a  committee  appointed  to  organize  a  church. 
THE  CHURCH  ORGANIZED 
On  Sabbath,  September  21,  1828,  notice  was  given,  after 
public  worship  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Joyce,  that  on  Thursday,  Sep- 
tember 25th,  a  meeting  would  be  held  at  the  house  of  Mr.  F. 
G.  Bailey,  in  order  to  receive  the  certificates  of  those  who 
wished  to  be  organized  into  a  church.  In  accordance  with  this 
notice  the  following  persons  presented  certificates  of  dismission 
from  the  respective  churches  v/ith  which  they  had  been  con- 
nected, to-wit:  Robert  Bailey,  Sr.,  Hannah  Bailey,  Isabella 
Bailey,  Francis  G.  Bailey,  Mary  Ann  Bailey,  Wm.  M.  Miller, 
Robert  Barr,  Mary  Whitesides,  Catharine  Brown,  James  Back- 
house and  Jane  Backhouse,  from  the  First  Presbyterian  Church 
of  Pittsburgh;  William  Semple,  Ann  Semple,  William  N. 
Burchfield,  William  Joyce,  Elizabeth  Joyce  and  Ann  Boner, 
from  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church  of  Pittsburgh;  Andrew 
Mitchell  and  Susan  Mitchell,  from  Bethany  Presbyterian 
Church;  Mary  Burchfield,  from  the  Presbyterian  Church  of 
McKeesport,  and  John  and  Mary  Barr,  from  the  Associate  Re- 

42 


SERMONS   AND  ADDRESSES 

formed  Church  of  Pittsburgh — in  all  twenty-two.  The  fol- 
lowing extract  from  the  Minutes  of  the  Session  is  the  official 
record  of  the  organization:  "On  Sabbath,  September  28,  1828" 
— precisely  forty-five  years  from  this  day — "after  a  public  dis- 
course, from  Matthew,  sixteenth  chapter,  eighteenth  verse, 
showing  the  character  of  the  Church,  and  the  grounds  of  her 
security,  the  persons  named  were  duly  organized  as  a  church 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  according  to  the  constitution  and 
discipline  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  the  United  States, 
and  on  the  same  day  the  following  persons  were  nominated  for 
office  of  ruling  elder  in  the  church  of  East  Liberty,  to-wit: 
Robert  Bailey,  James  Backhouse  and  Francis  G.  Bailey."  The 
persons  nominated  were  subsequently  elected  and  duly  ordained 
and  installed. 

TRUSTEES  ELECTED  AND  HOUSE  FINISHED 
Meanwhile,  pending  the  actual  organization,  at  a  meeting  of 
the  congregation,  held  April  7,  1828,  it  was  resolved  to  vest 
the  management  of  the  temporal  affairs  of  the  church  in  a 
Board  of  twelve  Trustees,  being  twice  the  number  of  the  Board 
that  had  held  the  property  up  to  this  date — said  Trustees  to 
"be  chosen  annually  from  the  pewholders  on  the  day  com- 
monly called  Easter  IMonday."  An  election  was  immediately 
held,  resulting  in  the  choice  of  the  following  persons,  to-wit : 
Francis  G.  Bailey,  John  Roup,  James  Backhouse,  Robert  Bailey, 
Sr.,  Solomon  Berlin,  Casper  Negley,  Abraham  Reimer,  A.  F. 
Grove,  John  Patterson,  John  McClintock,  Nicholas  Dahlem 
and  Jacob  Negley,  Jr.  These  gentlemen  were  the  legal  suc- 
cessors of  the  trustees  who  had  held  the  property  from  the 
date  of  the  original  gift,  and  properly  constituted  the  first 
Board  of  Trustees  of  this  church. 

The  new  Board  found  the  property  encumbered,  and  about 
to  be  sold  under  the  hammer  of  the  Sheriff.  The  sale  was 
advertised  to  take  place  June  11.  The  Secretary  of  the  Board 
was  authorized  to  attend  the  sale  and  bid  in  the  property  for 
the  congregation,  at  a  price  not  to  exceed  $380.  The  property 
was  secured,  however,  for  the  nominal  sum  of  $50,  the  pur- 
chase money  being  given  jointly  by  Jacob  Negley,  Jr.,  and 
Francis  G.  Bailey. 

43 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

The  property  being  secured,  measures  were  immediately 
taken  to  finish  the  house.  The  pulpit,  hitherto  occupying  one 
corner  of  the  building,  and  facing  the  angle  which  fronted 
the  turnpike,  was  placed  on  the  southeast  wall.  The  benches 
were  replaced  by  pew^s,  which  were  furnished  with  doors  and 
finished  with  panel  work  along  the  aisles.  The  pews  were 
elevated  as  they  retired  from  the  pulpit,  the  rear  pew  rising 
some  two  feet  above  the  level  of  the  floor.  In  addition  to  this, 
a  gallery,  stretching  along  three  sides  of  the  square  structure, 
was  erected. 

Altogether  the  house  was  commodious  and  comfortable,  and 
a  decided  advance  on  anything  which  had  preceded  it.  It  is 
M^orthy  of  note  that  when  the  work  was  completed,  the  con- 
gregation, by  a  unanimous  vote,  tendered  Mrs.  Barbara  A. 
Negley  her  choice  of  the  pews,  "as  a  mark  of  gratitude  to  the 
family  for  their  liberality  to  the  congregation." 

The  church  thus  equipped  addressed  itself  vigorously  to  the 
great  work  which  lay  before  it.  God  set  the  seal  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  upon  the  labors  of  the  missionary  and  his  co-workers. 
Christians  were  edified,  and,  "walking  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord 
and  in  the  comfort  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  were  multiplied." 
Numbers  were  added  to  the  church,  both  on  confession  and 
certificate,  so  that  within  little  more  than  six  months  from  the 
date  of  the  organization,  the  membership  had  almost  trebled. 

Having  now  planted  the  church,  Mr.  Joyce  left  the  training 
of  it  to  other  hands.  He  withdrew  from  the  field  in  April, 
1829.  In  accordance  with  the  letter  and  spirit  of  his  commis- 
sion from  the  Board  of  Missions,  to  "publish  the  Gospel  in 
the  neighborhood  of  Pittsburgh,"  he  preached  for  some  time 
at  Lawrenceville  and  adjacent  points,  and  subsequently  in 
Allegheny.  Still  later,  he  engaged  as  financial  agent  of  the 
Western  Theological  Seminary,  to  collect  funds  for  that  infant 
institution.  Having  prosecuted  the  work  for  some  time  in  our 
own  country,  he  embarked  for  England,  to  appeal  in  behalf  of 
the  same  cause  to  British  beneficence.  His  labors  there  were 
brief,  for  on  December  29,  1833,  he  fell  asleep  in  Jesus. 

THE   GRAVE  YARD 
In  early  daj's,  when  cemeteries  were  unknown,  it  usually 
devolved  upon  the  Church  to  furnish  a  resting  place  for  the 

44 


SERMONS   AND  ADDRESSES 

dead.  It  was  but  a  step  from  the  church  to  the  church  yard, 
where  the  remains  of  loved  ones  lay  molderlng  in  the  dust. 
In  accordance  with  that  time-honored  custom,  measures  were 
taken,  as  early  as  May  7th,  1829,  for  laying  the  grave  yard 
off  in  lots,  the  special  provision  being  made  that  strangers  and 
non-lotholders  were  to  be  charged  two  dollars  for  each  inter- 
ment. The  dilapidated  remains  of  that  once  beautiful  and 
sacred  spot  are  still  to  be  seen,  but,  alas  no  longer  an  ornament 
to  the  church. 

FIRST  PASTOR  CALLED 

The  last  Sabbath  of  June,  1829,  marks  a  new  epoch  in  the 
history  of  this  church.  On  that  day  Mr.  Wm,  B.  Mcllvaine, 
a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  a  graduate  of  Princeton  Theological 
Seminary,  and  a  licentiate  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle, 
commenced  his  labors  as  supply.  On  August  10th,  of  the  same 
year,  a  call  for  his  pastoral  labors  was  made  out  and  presented 
to  Presbytery  at  its  meeting  in  the  following  October.  Hav- 
ing signified  his  acceptance  of  the  call,  and  passed  the  usual 
trials  for  ordination,  Mr.  Mcllvaine  was,  on  April  20th, 
1830,  ordained  to  the  full  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  and 
installed  pastor  of  this  church.  In  these  services.  Rev.  Francis 
Herron,  D.  D.,  preached  the  sermon,  and  Rev.  Matthew 
Brown,  D.  D.,  delivered  the  charges  to  the  pastor  and  people. 

The  history  of  this  first  and  extended  pastorate  is  substan- 
tially the  history  of  the  church  for  almost  twoscore  years.  It 
is  the  testimony  of  living  witnesses  that  the  young  pastor,  well 
equipped  with  intellectual  furniture,  and  filled  with  mission- 
ary' zeal,  threw  himself  with  his  whole  energy  into  the  work. 
The  field  was  difficult  of  cultivation,  and  demanded  great 
diligence,  prudence  and  perseverance.  The  community  at  that 
time  is  said  to  have  comprised  but  two  classes  of  people — the 
orderly,  well-behaved  class,  who,  for  the  most  part,  waited  on 
the  means  of  grace;  and  the  vicious  and  profane,  who  "cared 
for  none  of  these  things."  By  a  happy  combination  of  wisdom 
and  prudence  the  young  pastor,  while  not  shrinking  from 
declaring  the  whole  counsel  of  God  and  rebuking  iniquity 
secured  for  himself  the  attachment  of  the  one  class  and  the 
profound  respect  of  the  other. 

45 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY  PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

To  estimate  the  results  of  a  pastorate,  and  throw  them  into 

tangible  form,  is  simply  impossible.  Of  necessity  many  of 
them  elude  our  grasp  and  lie  far  beyond  the  reach  of  human 
investigation.  Material  forces  may  be  weighed,  moral  forces 
never.  The  causes  that  are  set  in  motion  today  will  produce 
effects  which  eternity  alone  will  reveal.  The  influence  of  a 
church  or  pastor  in  a  community  is  not  to  be  measured  by  the 
length  of  the  chvirch  roll.  A  moulding  power  may  be  exerted — 
is  exerted — which  elevates,  ennobles,  directs,  and  yet  it  is  a 
power  that  cannot  be  measured  or  expressed  in  a  scientific 
formula.  But  with  the  church  roll  as  a  basis,  and  the  testi- 
mony of  surviving  witnesses  as  corroborative  and  explanatory 
— the  only  sources  of  information  of  which  I  have  been  able 
to  avail  myself — it  is  possible  to  approximate  the  tangible 
results  of  the  church's  work  during  the  period  covered  by  the 
first  pastorate. 

That  pastorate  in  its  outline  is  substantially  the  history  of 
every  pastorate.  It  is  the  history  of  alternate  light  and  shade. 
It  comprises  times  of  rich  refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the 
Lord,  when  Zion  rejoiced  and  many  were  gathered  into  the 
kingdom,  and  times  of  m.arked  spiritual  declension,  when  few 
came  to  the  solemn  feasts.  Mr.  Mcllvaine's  opening  ministry 
was  signalized  by  a  precious  work  of  grace,  in  which  God's 
people  were  greatly  strengthened  and  upwards  of  twenty  were 
led  to  confess  Christ.  Similar  seasons  were  several  times 
enjoyed,  especially  during  the  early  history  of  the  church, 
seasons  in  which  the  pastor  would  preach  for  weeks  consecu- 
tively, and  in  which  he  was  assisted  by  many  able  and  godly 
men,  most  of  whom  have  entered  into  their  rest.  From  Octo- 
ber 5th,  1828,  i.  e.,  from  the  first  communion  after  the  or- 
ganization, to  April,  1865,  six  hundred  and  eighty-eight  per- 
sons were  received  into  full  communion  with  the  church.  Of 
these  three  hundred  and  thirtj^-two  were  received  on  certifi- 
cate, and  three  hundred  and  fifty-six  on  confession  of  faith. 

SECOND  CHURCH  EDIFICE 
Evidence  of  the  growth  of  the  community  and  of  the  pros- 
perity of  the  church  is  found  in  the  fact  that  in  1847  it  became 
necessary  for  the  church  to  enlarge  its  borders  and  erect  a  new 

46 


SERMONS   AND   ADDRESSES 

house  of  worship.  Prior  to  this — as  far  back  as  1835 — a  small 
brick  building  had  been  erected  for  a  lecture  room  and  Sabbath 
School  room.  Both,  however,  were  unequal  to  the  increasing 
demands  of  a  growing  community,  and  it  was  resolved  to  pro- 
ceed at  once  to  build  a  more  commodious  structure.  Linked 
with  the  idea  of  increased  church  accommodation  in  the  enter- 
prise, there  was  the  additional  idea  of  facilities  for  higher  edu- 
cation. It  was  proposed,  on  the  occupancy  of  the  new  build- 
ing, to  convert  the  old  house  into  an  academy  to  afford  instruc- 
tion in  the  higher  branches  of  education.  Like  similar  projects 
of  a  more  recent  date,  however,  this  part  of  the  enterprise 
proved  a  failure  so  far  as  permanency  was  concerned. 

As  a  preliminary  step  toward  the  erection  of  the  new  edifice, 
a  committee,  consisting  of  the  pastor,  George  G.  Negley  and 
James  Mitchell,  was  appointed  to  wait  upon  Mrs.  Barbara 
A.  Negley,  with  reference  to  an  additional  lot  upon  which 
to  build  the  structure.  Mrs.  Negley  responded  by  adding  to 
her  former  gift  that  portion  of  the  present  lot  lying  between 
the  row  of  trees  which  skirts  the  present  building  on  the  east 
and  the  line  of  the  church  lot  prior  to  the  extension  of  Hiland 
Avenue.  A  committee,  consisting  of  Daniel  Negley,  Thomas 
Aiken,  Thomas  Davison,  Jonas  R.  McClintock  and  George 
McCombs,  was  appointed  to  procure  subscriptions  for  the 
building.  By  means  of  the  subscriptions  thus  secured,  and 
upon  the  lot  just  specified,  the  second  house  of  worship  was 
erected.  It  was  a  plain,  substantial,  one-story  brick  structure, 
some  50x70  feet,  and  capable  of  seating  about  three  hundred 
persons.  It  was  dedicated  to  the  worship  of  God,  June  12th, 
1848.  It  stood  till  1864,  when  it  was  sold  to  the  German 
Lutheran  Church  of  East  Liberty,  and  removed  by  them  to 
aid  in  the  erection  of  their  present  house  of  worship  on  Collins 
Avenue. 

INCREASE  IN  POPULATION— THIRD  HOUSE  OF  WORSHIP 
This  structure,  although  measurably  abreast  of  the  improve- 
ments of  the  East  Liberty  valley  at  the  time,  was  one  day 
to  be  completely  overshadowed.  The  march  of  improvement 
had  already  begun  in  earnest  in  Pittsburgh,  Notwithstanding 
the  disastrous  fire  of  1845,  which  laid  the  main  business  por- 

47 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

tion  of  the  city  in  ashes,  the  population  was  ten-fold  what  it 
was  when  the  first  house  was  built  on  this  lot  and  dedicated 
to  the  worship  of  God.  Even  at  this  early  date  there  were 
those  who  were  looking  to  the  East  Liberty  valley  as  a  pleasant 
location  for  suburban  homes,  and  a  safe  retreat  from  the 
smoke  of  the  growing  manufacturing  city.  All  that  was 
needed  for  the  rapid  development  of  the  region  and  increase 
of  the  population,  was  quick  and  reliable  facilities  of  trans- 
portation to  and  from  the  city.  These  were  at  length  fur- 
nished by  the  completion  of  the  Pennsylvania  Central  Railroad, 
in  1851.  From  that  day  to  this  the  progress  of  the  East  Liberty 
valley  in  population  and  material  resources  has  been  steady, 
and  with  each  successive  year  increasingly  rapid.  With  the 
increase  of  the  population  at  large  came  the  increase  of  the 
church-going  population.  Families  removing  from  the  city 
found  it  impossible  to  retain  their  former  church  connection, 
and  after  repeated,  and  in  some  cases  sustained  effort  to  cling 
to  the  old  church  home,  they  gradually  took  their  places  side 
by  side  with  God's  people  here. 

This  rapid  growth  of  the  population  soon  filled  the  sacred 
edifice  to  overflowing.  Under  the  force  of  a  pressure  which 
could  no  longer  be  resisted,  a  joint  meeting  of  the  Session  and 
Board  of  Trustees  was  held  P'ebruary  7th,  1860,  to  take  into 
consideration  the  question  of  increased  church  accommodation. 
As  the  outgrowth  of  this  joint  meeting,  a  congregational  meet- 
ing was  held  April  9th,  1860,  and  the  following  resolution 
unanimously  adopted,  to  wit: 

"Resolved,  That  the  Trustees  are  hereby  authorized,  in 
conjunction  with  the  Building  Committee,  appointed  at  a  for- 
mer meeting,  to  go  on  in  the  erection  of  a  new  church  build- 
ing, the  whole  cost  of  which  shall  not  exceed  sixteen  thousand 
dollars." 

The  Building  Committee  referred  to  consisted  of  the  fol- 
lowing persons,  to  wit:  Thomas  Aiken,  George  A.  Berry, 
Robert  Dickey,  Dr.  A.  H.  Gross,  G.  W.  Hailman,  Daniel 
Negley  and  Thomas  Seabrook.  The  foundation  of  the  new 
edifice,  however,  had  scarcely  been  laid  till  the  civil  war,  with 
its  terrific  shock  and  tremendous  issues,  was  upon  the  nation. 

48 


SERMONS   AND   ADDRESSES 

The  structure  rose  slowly  upon  its  foundations,  and  was  not 
completed  till  January,  1864,  at  a  total  cost  of  $22,790. 

This  total,  however,  does  not  include  the  cost  of  the  marble 
pulpit,  and  the  handsome  Bible  and  hymn  book  which  lie  upon 
it.  These  were  the  gift  of  the  late  Mrs.  J.  W.  Hailman, 
who,  a  few  years  ago,  at  the  very  threshold  of  a  communion 
season,  and  within  the  very  walls  of  the  church  she  loved  so 
devotedly  and  labored  for  so  zealously,  peacefully  entered  into 
rest.  The  house  was  at  once  occupied  by  the  congregation  and 
solemnly  dedicated  to  the  worship  of  God,  Rev.  M.  W.  Jaco- 
bus, D.  D.,  preaching  the  dedication  sermon. 

To  complete  the  original  design,  Mrs.  Barbara  A.  Negley 
presented  to  the  Board  of  Trustees  funds  for  the  purchase  of 
a  bell  to  summon  God's  people  to  His  worship.  Through  some 
delay  the  bell  was  not  hung  until  1867,  and  it  is  worthy  of 
note  that,  among  the  first  peals  it  uttered,  were  those  it  tolled 
as  the  funeral  procession  of  the  liberal  donor  wended  its  way  to 
the  "city  of  the  dead."  The  bell  bears  the  following  inscrip- 
tion: "Donated  to  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  East 
Liberty  by  Mrs.  B.  A.  Negley,  in  the  89th  year  of  her  age. 
Pastors — Rev.  William  B.  Mcllvaine,  Rev.  John  Gillespie." 

Since  its  erection,  this  building  has  been  twice  refitted,  once 
in  1868,  and  again  during  the  summer  of  1873.  The  former 
refitting  included  radical  changes  in  the  lecture  room,  and  the 
introduction  of  a  chaste  walnut  pulpit,  the  gift  of  Mrs.  Daniel 
Negley.  At  the  latter  date,  the  choir  was  removed  from  the 
old  gallery  to  the  right  of  the  pulpit,  the  present  capacious 
gallery  was  erected,  a  building,  furnishing  room  for  a  study, 
two  Bible  classes,  and  a  recess  for  an  organ,  was  added  in  the 
rear,  and  the  present  beautiful  organ  was  introduced. 

SESSION  AUGMENTED 
We  turn  again  from  the  outer  to  the  inner  history  of  the 
church.  Twice  during  the  first  thirty  years  of  the  church's 
history,  the  people  rallied  to  the  support  of  their  pastor  by 
augmenting  the  Session — a  step  rendered  necessary  by  the 
removal  or  death  of  former  members.  On  March  24th,  1837, 
John  Barr,  Henry  W.  Lang,  Wm.  N.  Burchfield  and  T  homas 
McCleary  were  ordained  and  installed  ruling  elders;  and  in 

49 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

September,  1856,  George  A.  Berry,  W.  C.  Reiter,  M.  D.,  and 
Thomas  Aiken  were  inducted  into  the  same  office.  Of  these 
but  two  remain  with  us  today — Messrs.  Barr  and  Burchfield. 
Of  the  remaining  members,  Messrs.  McCleary  and  Lang  died 
in  the  service  of  the  church,  and  the  others  were  dismissed,  at 
their  own  request,  to  unite  with  other  congregations  of  God's 
people. 

The  history  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  properly  belongs  to 
the  history  of  the  church.  To  trace  it  in  detail,  however,  not- 
ing the  annual  changes  in  its  membership,  and  its  discharge  of 
routine  duty,  however  interesting  to  a  few,  could  not  fail  to 
exhaust  the  patience  of  the  many.  Some  who  bore  office  in 
early  days  still  linger  among  us,  but  most  of  them  have  fallen 
asleep. 

In  this  connection,  it  is  worthy  of  note  that  on  April  7th, 
1845,  Thomas  Aiken  and  R.  C.  Beatty,  M.  D.,  were  appointed 
a  committee  to  procure  a  charter  for  the  congregation ;  and  on 
May  5th>  1846,  Thomas  Aiken  and  George  G.  Negley  a  com- 
mittee to  draft  a  constitution  and  by-laws  to  be  incorporated 
with  the  charter.  At  the  regular  annual  congregational  meet- 
ing, held  April  5th,  1847,  the  charter  was  read  and  adopted. 
By  its  provisions  the  number  of  the  Board  was  reduced  from 
twelve  to  six,  two  members  to  retire  and  two  to  be  chosen  at 
each  annual  meeting  of  the  congregation.  This  charter  hav- 
ing been  lost,  a  new  one,  for  the  most  part  a  duplicate  of  the 
first,  was  applied  for,  November  2d,  1861,  and  granted 
December  23d  of  the  same  year. 

CO-PASTOR  CALLED 
It  is  necessary  now  to  trace  the  history  of  another  change 
in  the  working  force  of  the  church.  The  congregation  had 
scarcely  been  comfortably  settled  in  their  new  house  of  worship 
till  it  became  evident,  from  the  failing  health  of  the  pastor  and 
the  increasing  demands  of  the  field,  that  something  must  be 
done  to  relieve  the  one  and  secure  the  more  thorough  cultiva- 
tion of  the  other.  After  repeated  conferences  held  by  the  officers 
and  leading  members  of  the  church,  with  each  other  and  with 
the  pastor,  it  was  resolved,  with  the  cordial  approval  of  the 
latter,  to  recommend  to  the  congregation  the  calling  of  a  co- 

50 


SERMONS   AND   ADDRESSES 

pastor.  At  a  meeting  of  the  congregation,  held  November  3d, 
1864,  a  committee,  consisting  of  Hon.  J.  P.  Sterrett,  Thomas 
Aiken,  George  A.  Berry,  Hon.  Thomas  Mellon,  Robert  Orr, 
Wm.  B.  Negley,  Esq.,  and  James  B.  Lyon,  was  appointed  to 
look  out  and  recommend  a  suitable  person  for  the  position.  By 
invitation  of  this  committee,  through  one  of  its  members, 
though  without  any  knowledge  of  its  design  on  the  part  of  the 
person  invited,  the  present  pastor  preached  in  this  pulpit  on 
Sabbath,  March  19,  1865.  On  the  following  Tuesday  he  was, 
on  recommendation  of  the  committee,  unanimously  chosen  co- 
pastor.  Owing  to  some  informality  in  the  constitution  of  the 
meeting,  how^ever,  the  call  was  not  formally  made  out  till  the 
regular  annual  congregational  meeting,  held  April  17th,  1865. 

With  reference  to  the  personal  history  of  the  co-pastor,  it 
may  be  proper  to  state  that  he  was  born  near  the  city  of  Edin- 
burgh, Scotland,  February  26,  1839;  that  he  received  his  ele- 
mentary English  education  mainly  in  the  borough  school  of 
Haddington,  a  place  famous  as  the  scene  of  the  life  and  labors 
of  the  celebrated  Dr.  John  Brown.  Emigrating  to  this  coun- 
try when  about  fourteen  years  of  age,  study  was  for  the  time 
being  intermitted,  but  only  to  be  resumed  again,  in  the  provi- 
dence of  God,  a  few  years  later,  under  the  private  instruction 
of  his  pastor,  Rev.  T.  A.  Grove,  through  whose  instrumentality 
he  was  brought  into  the  Church,  and  prepared  for  college  with 
a  view  to  entering  the  gospel  ministry.  He  was  matriculated 
as  a  student  of  Washington  College,  Pennsylvania,  in  1858; 
graduated  in  1862,  and  at  the  time  of  his  election  as  co-pastor, 
he  was  a  s*-udent  of  the  Western  Theological  Seminary  and  a 
licentiate  of  the  Presbytery  of  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio.  On  April 
26,  1865,  the  call  was  presented  to  the  Presbytery  of  Ohio 
(now  Pittsburgh),  then  in  session  in  this  church.  All  the  parts 
of  trial  for  ordination  having  been  sustained,  and  the  call  hav- 
ing been  accepted,  the  ordination  and  installation  services  were 
at  once  proceeded  with.  In  these  services  the  Rev.  W.  W. 
Eells,  Moderator  of  the  Presbytery,  proposed  the  constitutional 
questions  and  offered  the  ordaining  prayer;  the  Rev.  David 
McKinney,  D.  D.,  preached  the  sermon ;  the  Rev.  George 
Marshall,  D.  D.,  delivered  the  charge  to  the  pastor,  and  the 
Rev.  W.  D.  Howard,  D.  D.,  the  charge  to  the  people. 

51 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

The  relation  of  co-pastor  continued  till  April  21,  1870, 
when,  at  the  request  of  the  senior  pastor,  the  relation  existing 
between  him  and  the  church  was  dissolved  by  the  Presbytery 
of  Ohio,  leaving  the  present  incumbent  sole  pastor. 

THE    CHURCH   SINCE    1865 

In  tracing  the  history  of  the  church  since  A.  D.  1865  we 
tread  upon  firmer  ground,  the  records  of  the  various  depart- 
ments being  measurably  complete.  Within  that  period  the 
equipment  in  officers  has  been  increased  by  twice  augmenting 
the  Session,  and  by  the  election  of  a  Board  of  Deacons.  On 
November  19,  1865,  Robert  Dickey,  James  B.  Lyon  and  Rob- 
ert C.  Totten  were  added  to  the  Session,  being  duly  ordained 
and  installed  ruling  elders  in  the  church.  Five  years  later, 
owing  to  the  feeble  health  of  Mr.  Lang  and  the  withdrawal 
of  Mr.  Totten,  it  was  found  necessary  to  further  increase  the 
Session  by  the  election  of  four  additional  members.  Accord- 
ingly, on  September  25th,  1870,  Lemuel  Spahr  and  William 
G.  Johnston  were  inducted  into  the  sacred  office,  and  on 
November  6th  of  the  same  year  Francis  B.  McConnell  and 
Thomas  C.  Lazear.  The  difference  in  the  date  of  the  installa- 
tion of  these  four  brethren  is  owing  to  the  fact  that  two  elec- 
tions had  to  be  held  before  the  desired  number  was  secured. 

On  Sabbath,  November  6th,  1870,  the  following  persons, 
having  been  elected  to  the  office  of  deacon,  were  duly  ordained 
and  installed,  to  wit :  George  G.  Negley,  William  L.  Denison, 
John  Gilchrist,  Stewart  McKee,  Thomas  D.  Patterson  and 
Joseph  Torrens. 

Within  the  period  covered  by  the  present  pastorate  the 
Board  of  Trustees,  by  the  very  provisions  of  its  charter,  has 
undergone  several  changes — some  of  its  members  annually 
retiring,  thus  making  way  for  others.  The  recent  death  of 
its  late  lamented  president,  Robert  Orr,  as  useful  as  he  was 
noble  and  good,  is  entitled  to  special  mention.  The  Board,  as 
at  present  constituted,  consists  of  Springer  Harbaugh,  Presi- 
dent; George  W.  Hailman,  Secretary;  Hon.  James  P.  Ster- 
rett,  D.  W.  Lewis,  M.  D.,  George  McWilliams  and  John  C. 
Alrich. 

52 


SERMONS   AND  ADDRESSES 

What  remains  to  be  said  today  of  this  period  of  the  church's 
history  may  be  concisely  stated  in  answer  to  two  simple  ques- 
tions, viz.:  What  has  the  Lord  done  for  us?  and  what  have 
we,  through  grace,  done  for  Him? 

1.  What  has  the  Lord  done  for  us?  To  the  praise  of 
God's  glorious  grace  be  it  answered,  "The  Lord  hath  done 
great  things  for  us."  True,  no  Pentecostal  season  has  been 
enjo3^ed.  No  mighty  shaking  of  the  dry  bones  throughout  the 
length  and  breadth  of  this  valley  has  been  witnessed.  No 
revival  epoch,  such  as  marked  the  early  part  of  this  century 
in  Western  Pennsylvania,  has  come  and  gone.  Yet,  by  God's 
blessing  upon  family  training.  Sabbath  School  instruction,  and 
pulpit  and  pastoral  labors,  the  church  has  steadily  increased. 
Within  the  past  eight  years  359  persons  have  been  received 
into  full  communion  with  the  church.  Of  these,  149  were 
received  on  confession  of  faith  and  210  on  certificate.  Within 
that  period  at  least  one  season  of  rich  refreshing  is  to  be  remem- 
bered with  profound  gratitude.  It  was  during  the  winter  of 
1865  and  1866.  A  record,  made  at  the  time,  states  that  the 
opening  of  the  new  year  found  the  church  in  a  critical  condi- 
tion, spiritually.  The  Holy  Spirit  was  moving  upon  the  hearts 
of  the  people.  A  deep  solemnity  pervaded  the  congregation. 
The  prayer  meetings  had  increased  largely  in  attendance  and 
interest.  Some  were  secretly  inquiring  what  they  must  do  to  be 
saved,  but  still  the  blessing  in  its  fullness  was  withheld.  At 
the  communion  held  January  14th,  1866,  however,  eight — with 
one  exception,  heads  of  families — took  their  stand  for  Jesus. 
Three  weeks  later,  in  connection  with  some  special  services 
which  the  condition  of  things  seemed  to  demand,  a  quiet  but 
precious  work  of  grace  was  developed,  which  issued,  within  the 
next  few  months,  in  the  addition  of  some  forty  persons  to  the 
church  on  confession  of  their  faith  in  Christ. 

Today  the  church  numbers  170  families  and  424  communi- 
cants, a  net  increase  of  186  communicants  since  April,  1865 — 
the  whole  number  then  being  238.  In  other  words,  the  mem- 
bership is  nineteen-fold  what  it  was  at  the  date  of  the  organiza- 
tion, and  three- fourths  greater  than  in  1865. 

S3 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

THE  CHURCH'S  WORK 

2.  AVhat  has  the  church  done  for  Christ?  In  answering 
this  question  I  will  not  burden  your  memory  with  figures,  or 
attempt  to  furnish  a  balance  sheet  of  forces  expended  and 
results  reached.  With  "shame  and  confusion  of  face,"  it  may 
be  truthfully  afHrmed,  we  have  not  "done  what  we  could." 
But,  confession  of  shortcomings  apart,  it  may  be  answered 
briefly : 

(1  )  This  church  has  sought  to  plant  the  Gospel  at  home 
by  encouraging  church  extension  within  its  bounds.  For  some 
years  before  the  organization  of  Shady  Side  Presbyterian 
Church,  a  Sabbath  School  was  maintained  in  the  public  school 
house,  under  the  auspices  of  this  church.  The  present  flour- 
ishing Sabbath  School  of  the  now  vigorous  and  thoroughly- 
established  church,  is  the  legitimate  successor  of  the  Sabbath 
School  which  for  years  was  reported  as  a  mission  school  of  this 
church.  When  the  field  had  sufficiently  ripened  for  an  organ- 
ization. Session  granted  "a  cordial  and  hearty  dismission  to  all 
members  desiring  to  unite  with  Shady  Side  Church."  On  July 
8th,  1867,  certificates  of  dismission  were  granted  to  eleven 
members,  including  one  ruling  elder  and  two  members  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees,  to  unite  in  forming  the  new  church.  From 
the  beginning  of  the  mission  work  in  that  region,  the  enter- 
prise had  no  more  devoted  friend  or  zealous  and  liberal  sup- 
porter than  Mr.  Thomas  Aiken — the  ruling  elder  referred 
to — who,  having  ceased  from  his  labors,  now  sleeps  in  Jesus. 
Since  the  date  of  its  organization,  thirteen  members  additional, 
including  another  ruling  elder,  have  been  dismissed  and  warmly 
commended  to  the  fellowship  of  that  church. 

Another  mission  project,  and  one  which  sustained  a  much 
more  intimate  relation  to  this  church,  both  in  its  inception  and 
partial  development,  was  that  which  laid  the  foundation  for 
Westminster  Church,  on  Frankstown  Avenue.  That  organiza- 
tion was  the  outgrowth  of  an  effort  made  by  this  church  to 
relieve  its  overcrowded  pews.  At  the  regular  annual  congrega- 
tional meeting,  held  April  13th,  1868,  the  Session  introduced 
a  paper  setting  forth  the  pressing  necessity  of  increased  church 
accommodation,  and  suggested,  among  other  remedies,  the 
organization  of  a  second  church.    The  congregation  adopted  the 

54 


SERMONS   AND   ADDRESSES 

suggestion,  and  appointed  a  committee  to  take  the  necessary 
preparatory  steps.  The  committee  consisted  of  William  G. 
Johnston,  Finley  Torrens,  Dr.  D.  W.  Lewis,  Robert  C.  Totten 
and  Theodore  S.  Negley.  After  a  careful  survey  of  the  whole 
field,  the  committee  selected  the  neighborhood  of  Torrens 
Station  as  the  most  promising  place  in  which  to  plant  a  colony. 
A  Sabbath  School  was  immediately  organized  in  a  vacant  car- 
penter shop,  and  on  the  evening  of  the  same  day,  Sabbath, 
May,  20,  1868,  and  in  the  same  place,  preaching  was  begun  by 
the  Rev.  John  Kerr,  the  missionary  of  the  Presbytery  of  Ohio, 
who  had  been  recently  appointed  to  cultivate  just  such  fields. 
A  lot  being  secured,  the  people,  under  the  leadership  of  Mr. 
Finley  Torrens,  to  whose  energy  and  liberality  the  enterprise 
owes  much  of  its  success,  rallied  nobly  to  the  work,  and  before 
the  dawn  of  another  Sabbath  a  temporary  structure  had  been 
erected  on  their  own  lot.  Here  the  Sabbath  School  met  and 
public  worship  was  held,  till  the  inclemency  of  the  weather 
necessitated  a  more  secure  shelter — a  shelter  providentially 
found  in  the  temporary  public  school  house,  which  had  just 
been  erected.  Mr.  W.  G.  Johnston  was  chosen  Superintendent 
of  the  Sabbath  School,  and  continued,  with  the  efficient  aid 
of  a  corps  of  teachers,  selected  largely  from  our  congregation, 
to  conduct  its  affairs  successfully  till  near  the  time  of  the 
church's  organization,  when  the  control  was  committed  to  the 
hands  of  those  on  the  ground.  Meanwhile,  with  commendable 
liberality,  a  subscription,  amounting  to  about  $2,500,  was 
promptly  made  by  members  of  our  own  and  other  congrega- 
tions residing  within  the  mission  field ;  an  amount  subsequently 
increased  by  subscriptions  from  other  members  of  this  church 
to  between  $4,000  and  $5,000.  In  course  of  time  a  neat,  sub- 
stantial brick  edifice  was  erected  for  a  house  of  worship,  and  a 
Presbyterian  church  duly  organized.  Sixteen  persons,  bearing 
certificates  of  dismission  from  this  church,  were  enrolled 
among  the  members  constituting  the  new  organization.  After 
a  mingled  experience  of  prosperity  and  adversity,  the  church 
is  now  steadily  advancing,  and  we  take  pleasure  in  bidding  it 
God  speed. 

55 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

SYSTEMATIC  BENEFICENCE 

(2  )  To  complete  this  historical  sketch,  it  is  enough  to 
state  in  addition  that,  though  falling  far  below  the  measure  of 
our  duty,  the  church  is  steadily  increasing  in  the  grace  of 
systematic  beneficence.  It  is  worthy  of  special  note  that  in 
its  earliest  infancy  this  church  recognized  its  obligation  to  give 
to  the  Lord.  While  itself  a  mission  church,  its  members  resolved 
themselves  into  an  Auxiliary  Mission  Society,  and  pledged 
themselves  to  raise  annually  a  sum  equal  to  fifty  cents  per 
member  for  the  spread  of  the  Gospel  in  mission  fields.  I  have 
in  my  possession  the  original  paper,  containing  the  names  of 
fifty-two  persons  who  had  enrolled  themselves  as  members  of 
the  society.  The  paper  is  in  the  handwriting  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Joyce.  Its  opening  language  is  worthy  of  permanent  record: 
"We,  the  members  of  the  Church  at  East  Liberty,  desire  to 
contemplate,  with  awe  and  gratitude,  the  mighty  movements 
of  the  God  of  all  grace  in  the  time  in  which  we  live;  and  in 
view  of  the  glory  of  our  reigning  and  triumphant  Saviour 
herein  displayed,  would  humbly  ask,  'Lord,  what  wilt  thou 
have  me  do?'  "  The  meagerness  of  the  record  renders  it  im- 
possible to  trace  the  development  of  Christian  beneficence  in 
the  history  of  the  church.  Suffice  it  to  state,  that  since  April, 
1865,  the  church  has  contributed  regularly  to  all  the  objects 
recommended  by  the  General  Assembly,  besides  responding 
liberally  to  many  outside  calls.  Our  annual  contributions  to 
the  Boards,  with  some  variations,  have  gradually  increased 
till  they  reached  last  year  the  sum  of  $2,300.  Under  the 
present  plan  of  weekly  collections  for  the  whole  benevolent 
work  of  the  church,  the  contributions  show  a  marked  increase. 
Upon  the  basis  of  the  past  six  months,  it  may  be  safely  esti- 
mated that  the  amount  contributed  during  the  current  year 
will  considerably  exceed  $3,000.  In  addition  to  this  the 
ladies  of  the  church,  through  two  organizations,  lend  substan- 
tial aid  to  both  the  Home  and  Foreign  Mission  work,  their 
contributions  aggregating,  together,  not  less  than  $600  or  $800 
per  annum.  To  complete  this  brief  sketch  of  our  church's 
beneficence,  it  is  only  necessary  to  add  that  the  Sabbath  School, 

S6 


SERMONS   AND  ADDRESSES 

by  an  annual  contribution  of  about  $325,  supports  a  Bible 
woman  and  native  teacher  in  Canton,  China,  appropriating 
the  surplus  funds  to  some  kindred  work. 
CONCLUSION 
Such,  my  brethren,  imperfectly  traced,  is  the  way  by  which 
the  Lord  our  God  has  led  this  church  these  five  and  forty 
years.  It  is  a  way  to  be  remembered,  not  forgotten — remem- 
bered in  the  ground  of  thanksgiving  which  it  furnishes,  in  the 
solemn  admonitions  which  it  utters,  in  the  gracious  encourage- 
ments it  affords.  When,  at  the  close  of  the  wilderness  wan- 
dering, the  children  of  Israel  reached  the  borders  of  Canaan, 
but  two  remained  of  all  the  mighty  host  that  had  marched  in 
triumph  through  the  Red  Sea ;  so,  today,  of  the  band  of  twenty- 
two,  who  constituted  this  church  at  its  organization,  but  two 
survive,  John  Barr  and  William  N.  Burchfield.  Twenty  of 
the  twenty-two  slumber  in  the  dust.  It  needs  no  prophetic 
pen  to  foretell  that,  within  the  next  forty-five  years,  an  equally 
large  proportion  of  the  present  members  will  have  passed  to 
their  account.  Another  tongue  than  mine  shall  speak  the  glad 
tidings  of  peace — other  ears  than  these  shall  listen  to  the  Gospel 
message.  It  is  said  that  Xerxes  wept  to  think  that  one  hun- 
dred years  from  his  invasion  of  Greece,  not  one  of  all  his 
mighty  host  would  be  left  to  tell  the  tale.  Forty-five  years 
hence,  few,  very  few,  of  the  members  who  occupy  these  pews 
today,  will  be  left  to  tell  of  this  anniversary.  Shall  we  weep 
at  the  thought?  Nay,  verily,  my  brethren,  let  the  thought 
rather  lead  to  more  devout  contemplation  of  "the  things 
which  are  above;"  to  more  thorough  consecration  to  the  Mas- 
ter's service,  and  to  a  vigilant  waiting  for  the  Master's  com- 
ing. Let  "the  life  which  we  now  live  in  the  flesh,  be  by  the 
faith  of  the  Son  of  God."  Securely  planted  on  the  Rock, 
Christ  Jesus,  let  this  be  our  comfort,  through  grace,  that 
"Whether  we  live,  we  live  unto  the  Lord;  and  whether  we 
die,  we  die  unto  the  Lord:  whether  we  live,  therefore,  or  die, 
we  are  the  Lord's."     Amen. 


57 


THE  THIRD   CllUPXIl   -IMIUICAJL  D   JAM  Ai;\,    IsGi 


HISTORICAL  SERMON 

Delivered  September  29,  1878,  on  the  Occasion  of  the 
Fiftieth  Anniversary  of  the  Organization 

By  The  Rev.  John  Gillespie,  D.  D. 

"Ye  shall  hallow  the  fiftieth  year." — Leviticus  25:  10. 

I  HE  fiftieth  year  was  the  year  of  jubilee,  the  great 
Sabbath  year  in  the  Jevi^ish  Church.  It  was  de- 
signed to  be  a  year  of  joy,  and  the  generous 
'provisions  of  the  Divine  law  were  so  framed  as  to 
kindle  and  sustain  that  joy.  It  had  two  distinguishing  char- 
acteristics, manumission  and  restitution.  Every  Israelite,  who 
had  forfeited  his  liberty  under  the  Mosaic  statutes,  was  eman- 
cipated from  bondage  the  moment  the  silver  trumpet  pealed 
forth  the  announcement  that  the  year  of  jubilee  had  dawned. 
So,  with  the  ushering  in  of  that  season  of  gladness,  every  son 
of  Abraham  who,  through  misfortune  or  mismanagement,  had 
lost  his  patrimonial  estate,  was  reinvested  with  the  title  to  his 
alienated  inheritance.  It  was  a  year  of  complete  emancipation 
and  restitution.  Every  debt  was  to  be  canceled,  and  every 
personal  claim  relinquished.  Within  the  whole  commonwealth 
of  Israel  there  was  to  be  deliverance  from  oppression,  and  such 
a  restitution  to  order  and  repose  as  would  gladden  the  whole 
face  of  nature  and  society.  Well,  then,  might  it  be  a  year  of 
joy  when  it  came  so  richly  freighted  with  the  tokens  of  God's 
goodness ! 

The  real  significance  of  that  institution,  however,  lay  deeper 
than  the  surface.  It  was  but  a  shadow  of  good  things  to  come. 
It  spoke  of  an  emancipation  and  restitution  infinitely  grander 
than  that  which  sent  a  thrill  of  joy  through  ancient  Israel. 
It  told  of  emancipation  from  sin  and  restoration  to  the  Divine 
favor.  It  foreshadowed  the  time  when  the  powers  of  darkness 
would  be  crushed,  when  the  bondage  of  sin  would  be  broken, 
and  when  the  saints  of  God,  redeemed  from  all  unrighteous- 
ness, would  be  filled  with  the  gladness  of  heaven. 

59 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY  PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

Not  such  a  jubilee,  my  brethren,  do  we  celebrate  today. 
The  Church  has  swept  beyond  the  age  of  type  and  shadow, 
but  she  has  not  yet  entered  into  the  joy  of  her  Lord.  She  is 
still  the  pilgrim  Church.  Satan  is  not  yet  bound.  The  yoke 
of  sin  is  not  yet  broken.  The  kingdoms  of  the  world  have  not 
yet  bowed  to  the  sceptre  of  King  Jesus.  Our  shouts  of  victory 
today  must  mingle  with  the  noise  of  battle;  our  anthems  of 
praise  must  be  marred  by  the  memory  of  our  own  imperfec- 
tions and  failures.  Yet,  with  all  this,  it  is  well  that  the  key- 
note of  our  service  should  be  one  of  gladness.  Let  us  hallow 
this  fiftieth  anniversary  of  our  organization  as  a  church  in  the 
spirit  of  the  Old  Testament  jubilee.  Is  there  anything  arbi- 
trary in  such  a  method  of  celebration?  Look  at  it  for  a  mo- 
ment. What  is  the  history  of  the  Church  of  Christ  at  large, 
or  of  any  individual  church,  but  the  history  of  manumission 
and  restitution?  It  is  the  history  of  souls  justified,  sanctified, 
glorified ;  but  what  is  the  justification,  sanctification,  and  glori- 
fication of  God's  people,  but  deliverance  from  the  bondage  and 
corruption  of  sin,  and  restoration  to  the  favor  and  presence 
of  God?  So  the  history  of  a  church's  life,  considered  as  a 
potent  agency  in  society,  a  factor  in  the  problem  of  human 
existence  and  destiny,  is  the  history  of  manumission  and  resti- 
tution. It  is  the  aim  of  the  Church,  under  her  Divine  com- 
mission, to  emancipate  from  the  ignorance,  oppression  and  vice 
which  abound  through  the  reign  of  sin,  and  to  restore  to  the 
world  through  grace  the  light,  the  liberty,  and  the  order  which 
obtain  under  the  reign  of  righteousness. 

Viewed  from  this  standpoint,  the  history  of  this  church  for 
the  past  fifty  years  is  the  history  of  emancipation  and  restora- 
tion. The  story  of  her  inner  life,  is  the  story  of  emancipation 
from  sin  and  restoration  to  Divine  favor,  together  with  an 
account  of  the  methods  and  forces  by  which  the  work  has  been 
accomplished.  The  story  of  her  outer  life,  is  the  record  of  her 
efforts  to  disseminate  these  same  Divine  blessings,  and  to  im- 
press the  world  for  good. 

To  compress  fifty  years  of  such  history  within  the  compass 
of  a  single  discourse  is  simply  impossible.  Even  the  philosophy 
of  such  a  history,  the  summing  up  of  the  principles  involved, 
and  the  accurate  measuring  of  the  forces  employed,  would  be 

60 


SERMONS   AND   ADDRESSES 

no  brief  task.  The  outline  of  the  church's  life  for  the  first 
forty- five  years  of  its  existence,  already  submitted  and  within 
your  reach,  must  suffice  for  the  earlier  periods  of  its  history. 
Today  we  turn  to  the  church's  later  life,  casting  a  glance  back- 
ward now  and  then  as  necessity  may  require, 

THE  WORK 
In  hallowing  this  fiftieth  anniversary,  let  it  be  recorded  as  a 
ground  of  gladness  that  God  has  crowned  this  church  with  the 
tokens  of  His  love  and  grace.  Apostolic  history  is  careful  to 
note  with  special  emphasis,  as  a  mark  of  Zion's  prosperity,  that 
"much  people  was  added  unto  the  Lord,"  and  that,  "the  Lord 
added  unto  the  Church  daily  such  as  should  be  saved,"  rather 
"the  saved."  If  only  the  saved,  and  all  the  saved,  were  added 
to  the  Church  visible,  the  history  of  emancipation  from  sin,  and 
restoration  to  the  Divine  favor,  could  readily  be  ascertained. 
The  church  roll  v»ould  be  the  tally  sheet  for  summing  up  the 
work  of  Divine  grace.  But  as  in  the  Divine  economy  tares 
and  wheat  are  permitted  to  grow  together,  we  must  be  careful 
not  to  overestimate  the  real  value  of  a  church's  roll.  Yet  as 
the  only  available  source  of  information  on  the  question  of 
tangible  results,  it  may  be  consulted  with  the  confidence  that 
it  is  measurably  correct. 

In  a  former  historical  discourse,  already  referred  to,  it  is 
stated  that  "from  October  5,  1828,  i.  e.,  from  the  first  com- 
munion after  the  organization  of  the  church,  to  April,  1865, 
six  hundred  and  eighty-eight  persons  were  received  into  full 
communion  with  the  church.  Of  these,  three  hundred  and 
thirty-two  were  received  on  certificate,  and  three  hundred  and 
fifty-six  on  confession  of  faith."  Since  then  there  have  been 
added  to  the  church,  on  confession  tAvo  hundred  and  eighty- 
five,  and  on  certificate  three  hundred  and  forty-two,  making 
a  total,  since  1865,  of  six  hundred  and  twenty-seven,  and  a 
grand  total,  since  the  organization,  of  thirteen  hundred  and 
eleven.  In  April,  1865,  the  number  of  communicants  reported 
to  the  General  Assembly  was  two  hundred  and  thirty-eight. 
Add  to  these  the  six  hundred  and  twenty-seven  since  enrolled, 
and  there  is  a  total  of  eight  hundred  and  sixty-five,  who  fall 
within  the  compass  of  the  present  pastorate.     Of  these,  up  to 

6i 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

the  present  date,  ninety  have  died,  two  hundred  and  twenty- 
one  have  been  dismissed  to  unite  with  other  churches,  three 
have  been  excommunicated,  two  have  been  suspended,  and 
thirty-five  have  been  placed  upon  the  retired  list  or  dropped 
from  the  roll,  leaving  the  actual  enrollment  today  five  hundred 
and  fourteen. 

The  summary  is  brief  but  significant.  It  tells  of  souls  that 
have  been  born  into  the  kingdom,  of  others  who  have  gone  to 
witness  for  Christ  in  other  parts  of  God's  heritage,  and  of  still 
others  who  have  passed  from  the  cross  to  the  crown.  The 
ingatherings  have  been  mainly  through  the  ordinary  instru- 
mentalities of  home  influence.  Sabbath  School  instruction,  and 
pulpit  ministrations.  One  notable  exception,  however,  deserves 
to  be  recorded,  the  spiritual  refreshing  enjoyed  during  the  win- 
ter of  '74  and  '75.  The  memory  of  that  work  of  grace  is 
still  fresh  and  fragrant.  It  was  a  union  work  among  God's 
people,  in  which  most  of  the  churches  in  this  part  of  the  city 
happily  shared.  The  reapers  of  the  harvest,  those  who  thrust 
in  the  sickle  to  gather  the  golden  grain,  were  the  Young  Men's 
Christian  Association  of  East  Liberty,  under  the  efficient  lead- 
ership of  the  Rev.  S.  A.  Taggart,  together  with  the  pastors  of 
the  churches  and  other  Christian  workers.  Towards  the  close 
of  the  year  1874,  it  was  resolved  by  the  Association,  after  con- 
ference with  the  pastors,  to  hold  a  series  of  union  services 
immediately  after  the  week  of  prayer.  These  services  were 
begun  in  much  weakness.  But  the  harvest  was  ripe,  and  it 
was  God's  time  to  reap.  For  months  before,  earnest  hearts 
had  been  longing  and  praying  for  the  descent  of  the  Holy  Ghost 
in  mighty  power.  He  came.  The  interest  deepened.  The 
churches  were  aroused  from  their  lethargy.  Tongues  that  had 
never  before  spoken  for  Jesus  in  public  were  untied.  The 
love  of  so  many  that  had  waxed  cold  was  revived;  some,  who 
had  had  but  a  name  to  live,  passed  from  death  to  life,  and 
rejoiced  in  a  sense  of  pardoned  sin.  Sinners  were  convicted, 
strong  men  were  bowed  under  a  sense  of  guilt,  and  many 
found  peace  in  believing.  For  ten  weeks,  amidst  all  the  rigors 
of  an  unusually  severe  winter,  the  services  were  maintained, 
the  largest  churches  in  the  place  being  crowded  at  times  to 
overflowing.      Besides   the  incalculable  good   done   to   God's 

62 


SERMONS   AND   ADDRESSES 

people  by  that  memorable  work  of  grace,  sixty-six  were  led  to 
confess  their  faith  in  Christ  in  this  congregation,  most  of  whom 
remain  with  us  to  this  day. 

Such  has  been  the  ingathering  into  the  kingdom  of  grace. 
But  the  record  speaks  of  another  ingathering,  an  ingathering 
into  the  kingdom  of  glory.  What  a  harvest  the  Angel  of 
Death  has  reaped  within  the  past  fifty  years,  or  to  narrow  the 
compass  of  our  vision,  even  within  the  past  thirteen  years. 
Many  of  the  lambs  of  the  flock  have  been  gathered  into  the 
fold  above.  Not  a  few  of  the  baptized  members  of  the  church, 
whose  names  are  not  found  on  the  communicants'  roll,  have 
passed  to  their  account.  Besides  these,  ninety  of  those  who 
have  sat  with  us  in  these  heavenly  places,  as  God's  professed 
children,  have  entered,  it  is  fondly  hoped,  into  the  joy  of  their 
Lord.  Let  us  remember  them  today,  but  not  as  they  were  in 
the  house  of  their  pilgrimage,  compassed  with  infirmities  and 
burdened  with  sin.  Let  us  rather  think  of  them  as  celebrating 
a  jubilee  infinitely  more  glorious  than  that  we  celebrate  today, 
a  jubilee  in  which  emancipation  and  restitution  have  reached 
their  highest  expression,  and  in  which  unalloyed  gladness  fills 
the  soul.  Did  time  permit,  and  it  were  possible  to  avoid 
apparently  invidious  distinctions,  we  might  pause  just  here  and 
call  the  roll  of  our  sainted  dead.  What  scenes  memory  and 
imagination  would  paint  at  such  a  roll-call !  How  varied,  yet 
how  lifelike!  As  one  by  one  these  ransomed  ones  passed 
before  us,  in  solemn  procession,  what  memories  they  would 
awaken,  what  tender  associations  they  would  recall !  How 
many,  especially  of  the  fathers  and  mothers  in  Israel,  woiJd 
answer  to  such  a  summons !  Verily,  death  has  been  busy  with 
the  aged  during  the  period  of  the  present  pastorate.  We  miss 
the  snowy  locks  and  venerable  forms  of  those  men  and  women 
of  God.  Their  presence  no  longer  cheers  us  in  the  house  of 
our  pilgrimage,  but  their  memory  is  blessed.  In  the  hope  of  a 
glorious  resurrection,  we  have  laid  them  to  rest  in  the  city  of 
the  dead. 

"They  are  not  tasting  death,  but  taking  rest, 
On  the  same  holy  couch  where  Jesus  lay, 

Soon  to  awake,  all  glorified   and  blest, 
When  day  has  broke  and  shadows  Red  away." 

63 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY  PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

Such,  in  brief,  is  the  record  of  God's  ingatherings  and  ours. 
But  the  history  of  a  church's  life  comprises  more  than  the 
record  of  its  ingatherings.  It  includes  the  story  of  its  culture, 
and  the  aggregate  of  its  outside  work.  What  glorious  tri- 
umphs of  the  Cross  have  the  past  fifty  years  witnessed! 
Within  that  period  Christian  missions  have  advanced  from  the 
condition  of  a  feeble  infancy  to  the  vigor  of  a  ripening  matur- 
ity. Nations  once  sealed  against  the  introduction  of  the  Gospel 
have  been  opened  for  the  reception  of  the  truth,  and  the  Church 
has  entered  grandly  on  the  work  of  conquest.  Standing  as 
wc  do  today  in  the  veiy  focus  of  fifty  years  of  this  church's 
life,  it  is  pertinent  to  ask,  what  response  have  we  given  to 
the  pressing  calls  for  self-denying  effort  and  enlarged  benefi- 
cence ?  Of  this,  as  of  much  else,  another  record  must  speak 
as  to  the  earlier  history  of  the  church — a  record  which  tells 
that  this  church  was  born  a  mission  church,  and  baptized  in 
its  earliest  infancy  with  a  missionary  spirit.  The  history  of 
practical  beneficence  for  the  past  thirteen  years  is  the  history 
of  repeated  experiments  and  failures  as  to  methods.  First  the 
subscription  method  was  tried,  but  failed ;  because  it  trenched 
upon  that  reserve  which  is  claimed  as  a  right  in  Christian 
beneficence.  The  periodical  box  collection  for  specific  objects 
followed,  but  was  speedily  abandoned ;  because  that,  under  it, 
the  contributions  were  manifestly  falling  off.  Next  the 
envelope  plan  was  tried,  and  with  a  measure  of  success  at  first, 
but  finally  it  shared  the  fate  of  the  preceding  methods ;  because 
the  people  practically  ignored  it,  many  declining  to  lift  the 
envelopes  from  the  pew,  and  others  refusing  to  use  them  in 
depositing  their  contributions.  Perplexed  by  repeated  failures, 
and  admonished  by  diminishing  collections,  that  something  must 
be  done,  the  Session,  after  careful  examination,  resolved  to 
recommend  the  present  plan  of  weekly  collections  for  the  whole 
benevolent  work  of  the  church,  the  schedule  of  disbursements 
among  the  various  objects  to  be  arranged  annually  and  an- 
nounced to  the  congregation.  This  method  was  introduced 
January  1,  1873.  Under  it  the  contributions  steadily  increased, 
until  the  severe  financial  pressure  rendered  it  impossible  for 
many  to  continue  their  former  gifts  to  the  Lord's  treasury. 
Happily  the  tide  is  again  turning;  the  contributions  for  the 

64 


SERMONS   AND   ADDRESSES 

past  few  months  indicating  an  encouraging  increase.  After 
a  continuous  trial  of  more  than  five  years,  the  plan  may  be 
safely  pronounced  a  success,  the  people  giving  more  largely 
and  more  easily  than  under  any  former  plan.  The  beneficence 
of  the  church,  as  reported  to  the  General  Assembly,  from  April 
1,  1865,  to  March  31,  1878,  including  the  missionary  contri- 
butions of  the  Sabbath  School  and  the  receipts  of  the  Ladies' 
Missionary  Societies,  may  be  tabulated  as  follows,  to  wit: 

P'oreign   Missions    $12,568 

Home  Missions   (including  Sustentation) .  . .    14,114 

Education  (including  special  work) 5,969 

Publication    1 ,336 

Church  Erection 3,939 

Ministerial  Relief 2,254 

Freedmen   (ten  years)    2,818 

Miscellaneous    3,761 

General  Assembly's  Contingent  Fund 515 

Total $47,274 

Within  the  same  period  there  have  been  received  from  all 
sources,  and  expended  for  congregational  purposes,  $81,699. 
To  this  handsome  aggregate,  however,  an  important  addition 
must  now  be  made.  It  is  among  the  special  causes  of  thanks- 
giving on  this  day  of  gladness,  that  we  have  hallowed  our 
jubilee  year  by  a  successful  effort  to  life  a  debt  of  almost 
$10,000,  which  had  been  pressing  heavily  upon  the  church. 
The  history  of  that  effort  is  too  fresh  in  your  memory  to  require 
extended  notice  here.  Suffice  it  to  say  that,  under  the  plan 
adopted,  about  one-half  the  amount  has  actually  been  paid  into 
the  treasury  and  applied  upon  the  debt,  and  that  there  is  every 
reason  to  believe  that  what  still  remains  will  be  paid  with 
equal  promptness  as  the  obligations  mature.  When  it  is  remem- 
bered that  this  work  was  undertaken  at  a  time  of  great  finan- 
cial stringency,  and  accomplished  at  the  expense  of  no  little 
sacrifice  on  the  part  of  many,  there  is  cause  for  double  joy. 
In  the  method  of  its  accomplishment  we  have  also  placed 
posterity  under  obligation  to  us,  because  we  have  bequeathed 
to  our  successors  this  precious  legacy,  that  the  property  has 
been  placed  in  such  a  position,  under  the  law,  that  no  other 

6S 


CENTENNIAL  EASl    LIBERTY  PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

mortgage  can  ever  rest  upon  it  in  the  future.  Would  that  all 
churches  were  equally  protected  against  that  financial  blunder, 
which  is  the  bane  of  many  an  organization  today. 

THE  WORKERS 
From  the  work  we  pass  now  to  the  workers.     And  first  of 
all  let  us  turn  to  the  office-bearers  in  God's  house. 

THE  PASTORS 

In  these  days  of  Presbyterian  itinerancy,  when  protracted 
pastorates  are  the  exception  rather  than  the  rule,  it  may  be 
recorded  with  gratitude  today  that  this  church  has  had  but  two 
pastors,  the  Rev.  William  B.  Mcllvaine,  now  retired  from  the 
active  ministry,  and  the  present  incumbent.  For  the  history 
of  the  first  pastorate,  and  the  earlier  history  of  the  second, 
you  are  again  referred  to  the  historical  sketch  already  submit- 
ted. It  is  to  me  a  source  of  unspeakable  joy,  and  a  cause  for 
profoundest  gratitude,  that  after  a  continuous  service  of  more 
than  thirteen  years,  a  service  not  without  its  vicissitudes  and 
trials,  as  well  as  its  encouragements  and  joys,  unbroken  har- 
mony exists  between  us  today  as  pastor  and  people.  To  the 
praise  of  God's  glorious  grace  let  it  be  recorded. 
THE  ELDERS 

Scarcely  greater  changes,  proportionately,  have  occurred  in 
the  eldership.  But  seventeen  persons  in  all  have  exercised  the 
functions  of  this  sacred  office,  during  the  first  half  century  of  the 
church's  history.  Of  these,  two  died  during  their  incumbency, 
Thomas  McCleary  and  Henry  W.  Lang;  seven  withdrew,  to 
cast  in  their  lot  with  other  congregations  of  God's  people, 
where  four  of  them,  Messrs.  Reiter,  Aiken,  Berry  and  Totten, 
were  subsequently  honored  with  calls  to  the  same  responsible 
position,  and  eight  are  still  enrolled  among  us,  and  constitute 
our  eldership  today,  precisely  as  reported  in  1873.  From  this 
record,  it  appears  that  the  Session  has  enjoyed  wonderful 
immunity  from  the  ravages  of  death.  Of  the  two  who  fell  at 
the  post  of  duty,  Mr.  McCleary  was  called  first,  having  died 
in  July,  1855.  It  is  the  testimony  of  his  brethren  who  sur- 
vive that  he  was  a  man  of  earnest  piety,  and  an  efficient  helper 
in  the  various  departments  of  church  work.  Mr.  Lang  passed 
from   our   midst   March    31st,    1872,    having   been    forty-one 

66 


SERMONS   AND  ADDRESSES 

years  a  member  of  the  church,  and  thirty-five  years  a  ruling 
elder.  During  the  later  years  of  his  life  he  was  but  little 
known,  having  been  laid  aside,  in  a  great  measure,  from  active 
duty  by  the  insidious  disease  that  finally  laid  him  low  in  death. 
He  was  a  man  of  unblemished  character  and  deep  piety, 
esteemed  by  all  who  knew  him.  After  long  and  faithful  serv- 
ice in  the  kingdom  of  his  Lord,  he  was  gathered  home,  "like 
as  a  shock  of  corn  cometh  in  in  his  season." 

Still  another  member  of  the  Session,  who  welcomed  me  to 
this  field  of  labor,  sleeps  in  Jesus — one  whose  cordial  greeting 
and  efficient  co-operation,  till  called  to  another  sphere  of  labor, 
are  among  the  cherished  memories  of  my  pastorate — Thomas 
Aiken,  a  man  "full  of  the  Holy  Ghost."  Shady  Side  was  the 
chief  mourner,  when  that  beloved  servant  of  God  entered  into 
his  rest,  but  East  Liberty  claimed  the  second  place  in  testifying 
to  his  worth,  and  now  gratefully  embalms  his  memory  on  the 
pages  of  her  history. 

The  two  senior  members  of  our  Session,  John  Barr  and  Wil- 
liam N.  Burchfield,  honored  and  esteemed,  still  abide  with  us, 
the  only  living  links  which  bind  the  church  of  1828  to  the 
church   of    1878. 

THE  DEACONS 

From  those  charged  with  the  spiritual  interests  of  the 
church,  we  turn  now  to  those  entrusted  with  the  oversight  of 
the  Lord's  poor,  and  the  care  of  the  funds  collected  for  benevo- 
lent work.  Of  the  six  persons  who  constituted  the  first  Board 
of  Deacons  in  this  church,  chosen  in  1870,  but  three  remain. 
Messrs.  Patterson  and  McKee  have  withdrawn  to  unite  with 
other  churches,  and  William  L.  Denison  rests  from  his  labors, 
having  died  May  13,  1874.  To  say  that  Mr.  Denison  was  a 
man  of  sterling  worth,  is  to  pay  a  tribute  to  his  memory  which 
all  must  acknowledge  to  be  just.  Naturally  retiring  in  his 
disposition,  he  nevertheless  impressed  his  generation  for  good, 
and  has  left  a  record  behind  him  which  is  not  only  a  precious 
heritage  to  his  family,  but  also  to  the  church  of  which  he  was 
an  honored  member  and  a  faithful  officer. 

In  view  of  these  vacancies  in  the  Board,  the  Session  resolved 
to  recommend  to  the  congregation  the  election  of  three  addi- 

67 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

tional  members  to  make  good  the  original  number.  In  accord- 
ance with  this  recommendation,  at  a  congregational  meeting, 
held  December  30,  1874,  John  Lusk,  John  Allen  and  Isaiah 
K.  Becker  were  chosen  to  the  office  of  deacon,  and  on  Sabbath 
morning,  January  31,  1875,  were  duly  ordained  and  installed. 

THE  TRUSTEES 

The  Board  of  Trustees  next  claims  our  attention.  Did  time 
permit,  it  would  be  a  grateful  task  to  mention  the  names  of 
those  who  have  been  successively  charged  with  the  management 
of  the  business  affairs  of  the  church.  Such  a  list  would  be  a 
roll  of  honor.  The  position  is  one  whose  importance  it  would 
be  difficult  to  overestimate,  because  the  efficiency  of  any  church 
depends  in  no  small  degree  upon  the  successful  management  of 
its  finances.  The  early  history  of  the  Board  has  already  been 
traced,  and  the  annual  changes  in  its  constituent  elements  must 
be  omitted.  Some  changes,  however,  claim  a  passing  notice — 
those  that  have  been  wrought  by  the  hand  of  death.  More 
than  any  other  arm  of  the  church's  service,  this  Board  has 
fallen  under  the  power  of  the  destroying  angel.  During  the 
present  pastorate,  three  of  its  members  have  passed  beyond 
recall.  The  first  that  fell  was  Robert  Orr,  who  died  August 
2,  1873.  The  call  was  sudden  and  unexpected,  but  it  found 
him  ready.  For  "him  to  live  was  Christ,  and  to  die  was  gain." 
His  was  a  piety  that  found  its  highest  expression,  not  in  words 
but  in  deeds.  Thoroughly  conscientious,  of  the  strictest  integ- 
rity, unimpeachable  in  his  honesty,  generous  and  systematic  in 
his  beneficence,  he  was  honored  in  his  life  and  deeply  lamented 
in  his  death. 

Scarcely  had  three  months  passed  till  death  again  touched 
the  Board,  and  David  W.  Lewis,  the  "beloved  physician," 
entered  into  his  rest.  It  was  on  November  9,  1873.  The 
shock  which  startled  this  community  when  it  was  announced 
that  that  man  of  God  had  passed  to  his  reward,  will  not  soon 
be  forgotten.  The  \vhole  community  mourned;  and  when  the 
moment  for  the  funeral  service  arrived,  this  sacred  edifice  was 
filled  to  overflowing  with  representatives  from  every  class  of 
the  population.  It  is  enough  today  that  we  pause  and  drop  a 
tear  upon  his  grave.     No  word  of  eulogy  is  needed.     He  lives 

68 


SERMONS   AND   ADDRESSES 

in  the  memory  of  those  who  knew  him  best,  as  the  skilled  physi- 
cian, the  devoted  Christian,  the  upright  citizen,  the  true  friend. 
It  is  not  given  to  many  to  be  so  universally  esteemed  in  life, 
and  so  sincerely  lamented  in  death. 

To  complete  the  necrology  of  the  Board,  still  another  name 
must  be  added  to  the  death  roll,  the  name  of  George  W.  Hail- 
man,  who  fell  asleep  May  14,  1878.  The  memory  of  that 
deep  sorrow  is  still  fresh.  The  blow  fell  suddenly  at  last, 
although  the  later  months  of  Mr,  Hailman's  life  were  one 
incessant  conflict  with  disease,  which  neither  medical  skill  nor 
change  of  climate  could  arrest.  But  his  end  was  peace.  It 
is  easy  to  see  now  that,  for  a  few  years  before  his  death,  he 
was  gradually  ripening  for  glory.  Always  conscientious  and 
consistent  as  a  professing  Christian,  he  rose  under  the  impulse 
of  our  great  revival  to  a  higher  plane  of  Christian  living.  In 
a  very  marked  degree  he  became  from  that  time  forward  an 
earnest,  consecrated  child  of  God.  When  Mr.  William  G. 
Johnston,  admonished  by  impaired  health,  retired  from  the 
superintendency  of  the  Sabbath  School,  Mr.  Hailman  was 
unanimously  chosen  his  successor.  Naturally  retiring  in  his 
disposition,  and  with  a  deep  conviction  of  his  own  unfitness 
for  the  office,  it  was  with  difficulty  he  could  be  persuaded  to 
enter  upon  the  discharge  of  his  duties.  When,  however,  his 
reluctance  was  finally  overcome,  he  threw  himself  into  the 
work  with  all  the  energy  which  conviction  of  duty  and  en- 
thusiasm for  the  work  could  inspire.  Cut  off,  after  a  few 
months  of  service,  in  the  very  midst  of  his  usefulness,  he  had 
nevertheless  planted  himself  firmly  in  the  affections  both  of 
teachers  and  scholars,  and  it  is  safe  to  say  that  in  that  large 
procession  which  conveyed  his  precious  dust  to  its  resting  place 
in  the  tomb,  few  more  sincere  mourners  were  to  be  found 
than  those  who  had  learned  to  love  him  in  the  Sabbath  School. 
Eminently  useful  in  the  business  walks  of  life,  and  honored  by 
the  church  he  loved,  he  rests  from  his  labors. 

The  Board,  as  at  present  constituted,  consists  of  George 
Bingham,  President;  John  C.  Alrich,  Secretary;  James  R. 
Mellon,  John  H.  McKelvy,  James  Batchelor  and  Henry  W. 
Fulton,  M.  D.  To  this  list  of  officers  must  be  added  the  name 
of  Francis  B.  McConnell,  Treasurer,  to  whom  the  church  is 

69 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY  PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

greatly  indebted  for  a  large  amount  of  gratuitous  and  perplex- 
ing labor;  and  last,  but  not  least,  either  in  the  importance  of 
his  office  or  in  the  fidelity  and  efficiency  with  which  for  the 
past  twelve  years  he  has  discharged  its  duties,  the  name  of 
John  Grounds,  Sexton. 

THE  SABBATH  SCHOOL 
Confessedly  one  of  the  most  efficient  and  encouraging  de- 
partments of  our  church  work  is  the  Sabbath  School.  Un- 
happily much  of  its  earlier  history  has  passed  beyond  recovery. 
The  available  records  are  so  defective  that  it  would  be  no  easy 
task  to  compile  a  continuous  and  reliable  history  of  the  school, 
in  its  force  of  teachers,  its  methods,  or  its  work.  The  subject 
is  worthy  of  painstaking  investigation,  and  a  separate  occasion. 
Anything  like  an  extended  notice  must  be  reserved  for  some 
such  occasion.  Let  it  suffice,  today,  to  state  that,  in  its  organ- 
ization, the  Sabbath  School  antedated  the  church  by  several 
years;  that,  during  its  entire  history,  it  has  enrolled  among 
its  officers  and  teachers  some  of  the  ablest  consecrated  talent  in 
the  church,  and  that  its  aggregate  of  results,  although  not 
expressed  in  facts  and  figures,  is  believed  to  be  a  record  of 
which  the  church  need  not  be  ashamed.  During  the  present 
pastorate,  the  office  of  Superintendent  has  been  successively 
filled  by  George  A.  Berry,  Robert  C.  Totten,  William  G. 
Johnston,  George  W.  Hailman  and  Alex.  C.  Montgomery, 
the  present  incumbent,  who,  at  his  own  request,  retires  from 
the  office  today,  to  be  succeeded  by  T.  D.  Davis,  M.  D.,  just 
elected  to  fill  the  vacancy.  Of  the  work  under  these  several 
administrations  it  would  be  pleasant  to  speak,  but  time  and 
the  magnitude  of  the  subject  admonish  me  that  I  must  forbear. 
The  school  at  present  comprises,  in  all  its  departments,  besides 
the  officers,  thirty-three  teachers  (annually  elected  by  the  Ses- 
sion) and  three  hundred  and  ninety-one  scholars.  It  is  fur- 
nished with  an  excellent  library,  and  in  most  of  its  appoint- 
ments is  believed  to  be  measurably  abreast  of  the  age  in  all  sub- 
stantial improvements.  The  additions  to  the  communicants' 
roll,  from  the  rank  and  file  of  the  school,  tell  of  thorough 
biblical  instruction,  and  of  earnest,  believing  prayer.  Among 
the  admirable  features  of  the  school  which  furnish  cause  for 

70 


SERMONS   AND   ADDRESSES 

present  gratitude,  and  give  promise  of  future  usefulness,  may 
be  mentioned,  in  addition,  the  training  given  in  systematic 
beneficence — a  training  all  the  more  thorough  because  of  the 
excellent  system  of  supervision  introduced  by  Mr.  Johnston — 
and  the  instruction  given  in  the  Shorter  Catechism,  a  matter 
more  certainly  and  easily  accomplished  under  the  plan  recently 
introduced. 

MISSIONARY  SOCIETIES 

Still  another  class  of  workers  remains  to  be  noticed,  the 
Ladies'  Missionary  Societies.  First  in  the  order  of  organiza- 
tion comes  the  "Home  Missionary  Society,"  which  renders 
substantial  aid  to  the  work  of  Home  Missions,  by  annually 
sending  boxes,  well  filled  with  clothing  and  household  goods, 
to  the  families  of  missionaries,  whose  slender  salaries  need  sup- 
plementing. No  better  commentary  on  the  commendable 
character  of  this  work  is  needed,  than  the  responses  received 
from  those  struggling  servants  of  God,  in  the  Home  field,  who 
are  thus  remembered.  A  few  of  the  noble  band  of  workers, 
who,  amid  great  discouragements,  toiled  on  during  the  earlier 
years  of  the  present  pastorate,  have  been  called  to  a  higher 
service.  Many  in  the  last  day  will  rise  up  and  call  them 
blessed.  Others,  however,  in  the  providence  of  God,  have 
risen  to  take  the  work  which  dropped  from  their  hands  when 
the  summons  came,  and  the  society,  largely  increased  in  num- 
bers, is  more  flourishing  today  than  ever. 

The  deep,  far-reaching  interest  in  Foreign  Missions,  which 
sprang  up  among  the  Christian  women  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  a  few  years  ago,  found  a  ready  response  in  this  con- 
gregation. Under  the  influence  of  that  grand  movement,  an 
"Auxiliary  Foreign  Missionary  Society"  was  formed  in  this 
church,  which  still  lives  in  all  the  freshness  and  vigor  which 
characterized  its  organization.  It  stands  responsible  to  the 
Woman's  Department  of  Foreign  Missions,  for  one-half  the 
salary  of  a  missionary,  a  pledge  thus  far  faithfully  redeemed. 
In  addition  to  its  own  specific  work,  this  society  also  oversees 
the  juvenile  band  of  workers,  known  as  the  "Buds  of  Promise," 
whose  busy  hands  and  earnest  hearts,  under  the  direction  of 
maturer  wisdom,  do  nobly  both  for  Home  and  Foreign  work. 

71 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

THE  WORSHIP 
A  few  words  concerning  the  worship  of  the  church  will 
close  the  present  sketch.  Presbyterianism,  however  uncom- 
promising in  all  that  is  essential  to  the  integrity  of  revealed 
truth,  is  nevertheless  sufficiently  flexible  in  non-essentials.  Our 
form  of  worship  is  not  such  an  iron-clad  system,  as  that  inno- 
vation must  be  branded  as  heresy.  Each  session  is  at  liberty 
to  adjust  the  details  of  the  service  of  God's  house,  in  accord- 
ance with  the  general  principles  of  the  "Directory  for  Wor- 
ship." In  the  main,  however,  the  forms  of  worship  in  all 
Presbyterian  churches  are  substantially  the  same.  Leaning,  as 
this  church  has  always  done,  towards  a  wise  conservatism, 
rather  than  to  a  policy  of  mere  experiment,  it  is  not  to  be  ex- 
pected that  many  changes  are  to  be  chronicled  in  its  mode  of 
worship.  In  its  essential  features,  as  for  instance,  in  the  ratio 
of  the  devotional  to  the  didactic  elements  in  worship,  it  is  the 
same  in  the  church  of  1878  that  it  was  in  the  church  of  1828. 
The  most  notable  changes,  perhaps,  have  taken  place  in  the 

SERVICE  OF  SONG 
A  church  without  music  would  be  a  church  but  half  equipped 
for  the  worship  of  God.  In  this  church,  as  in  all  churches,  it 
has  a  history.  It  is  a  history,  however,  unwritten,  and  there- 
fore difficult  of  access.  With  gratitude  let  it  be  recorded,  that 
so  far  as  I  have  been  able  to  trace  it,  it  is  not  a  history  of  dis- 
sension and  dispute,  of  petty  jealousies  and  angry  conflicts. 
For  the  most  part  the  music  has  been  in  the  hands  of  those 
who  reverenced  God's  house  and  loved  God's  ordinances. 
Whatever  may  be  said  of  its  merit,  artistically  considered,  it 
may  be  safely  said  that  God's  praise,  and  not  man's,  has  been 
sung.  For  many  years  the  primitive,  though  by  no  means 
antiquated,  method  of  a  precentor,  was  the  mode  of  conducting 
the  service  of  song.  The  precentor's  duties  were  discharged 
mainly  by  our  venerable  ruling  elder  William  N.  Burchfield, 
relieved  now  and  then  by  Thomas  McCleary,  or  some  other 
person  qualified  for  the  post.  Here,  as  almost  everywhere,  the 
precentor  in  course  of  time  gave  place  to  a  choir,  first  under  the 
leadership  of  Mr.  Burchfield,  and  subsequently  under  that  of 
Moses  Phillips,  whose  voice  is  now  hushed  in  death. 

72 


SERMONS   AND  ADDRESSES 

What  may  be  denominated  the  third  stage  in  the  history 
of  church  music — the  introduction  of  a  melodeon — was  reached 
in  March,  1856,  In  course  of  time  the  melodeon  was  sup- 
planted by  a  larger  and  finer  instrument,  which,  in  1873,  gave 
place  to  the  present  organ.  About  the  time  the  melodeon  was 
introduced,  or  soon  after,  John  R.  Negley  was  chosen  leader 
of  the  choir,  retaining  the  position  for  a  number  of  years.  His 
splendid  tenor  voice,  so  rich,  so  sweet,  so  full,  will  not  soon  be 
forgotten.  During  all  these  years  many  excellent  and  willing 
voices  from  among  the  wives  and  daughters  of  the  congrgea- 
tion,  as  also  from  among  the  husbands  and  sons,  have  been 
numbered  with  the  choir.  The  service  they  have  rendered, 
and  are  rendering  today,  oftentimes  at  the  expense  of  great 
self-denial,  deserves  to  be  placed  upon  permanent  record.  It 
is  a  responsible  position,  and  imposes  a  heavy  tax  both  on  time 
and  strength. 

Within  the  past  few  years  the  session  has  exercised  its  con- 
stitutional right  with  reference  to  the  music  of  God's  house,  so 
far  as  to  elect  both  the  organist  and  the  members  of  the  choir. 
It  is  believed  to  be  a  practice  not  only  in  harmony  with  the 
constitutional  law  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  but  eminently 
satisfactory  to  those  called  to  the  work,  and  conservative  of 
the  best  interests  of  the  congregation. 

Here  we  must  pause.  The  web  which  has  been  woven  is 
necessarily  imperfect  and  incomplete,  but  the  shuttle  must  be 
dropped,  and  the  thread  of  the  narrative  broken.  Upon  the 
past  we  dare  not  further  linger.  In  the  language  of  inspiration, 
"it  is  done."  More  than  this,  it  is  either  well  done  or  ill  done; 
but  well  done,  or  ill  done,  it  cannot  be  undone.  The  Pillar 
of  Cloud  is  liftmg,  and  the  voice  of  the  Master  beckons  us 
onward.  Carrying  with  us  as  a  sacred  heritage,  the  lessons 
of  the  past  fifty  years,  let  us  obey  the  summons.  Grander 
opportunities  invite,  and  weightier  obligations  press  today,  than 
fell  to  the  lot  of  our  fathers  half  a  century  ago;  therefore 
grander  siiccesses,  or  grander  failures  await  us.  May  every 
5'ear,  by  Divine  grace,  be  to  us  a  jubilee  year,  a  year  of  manu- 
mission and  restitution;  a  "year  of  the  right  hand  of  the  Most 
High."  Let  it  be  our  highest  ambition  to  glorify,  not  the 
church,  but  the  Head  of  the  Church,  to  cast  all  our  crowns 

73 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  to  "count  all  things  but  loss  for  the  ex- 
cellency of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord."  One 
by  one  we  shall  fall  by  the  way,  and  be  gathered  to  our  fathers, 
but  the  Church  we  love  shall  live  on.  May  she  ever  abide 
under  the  shadow  of  the  Almighty,  loyal  to  her  King,  loyal  to 
His  truth,  loyal  to  His  kingdom.  In  the  future,  more  than  in 
the  past,  may  it  be  written  of  her,  "This  and  that  man  was 
born  in  her,  and  the  Highest  himself  shall  establish  her."  To 
this  end,  let  the  fervent  prayer  ascend  from  every  heart  today, 
"Awake,  O  north  wind;  and  come,  thou  south;  blow  upon 
this  garden,  that  the  spices  thereof  may  flow  out."    Amen. 

SKETCH  OF  THE  CELEBRATION 
The  semi-centenary  of  the  organization  of  this  church  fell 
on  Saturday,  September  28,  1878.  The  public  exercises  con- 
nected with  the  celebration  of  the  event,  commenced  on  the 
Friday  evening  preceding.  From  six  to  eight  o'clock,  an  ele- 
gant supper  was  served  by  the  ladies,  in  the  lecture  room  of  the 
church.  The  proceeds  of  the  entertainment,  including  receipts 
from  a  large  and  choice  selection  of  fruits  and  other  refresh- 
ments, were  devoted  to  liquidating  that  portion  of  the  church 
debt  which  had  been  assumed  by  the  ladies  of  the  congregation. 
After  supper,  an  adjournment  was  had  to  the  audience 
room,  where  the  exercises  were  introduced  by  singing  part  of 
Doddridge's  beautiful  and  impressive  hymn,  beginning, 

"O  God  of  Bethel,  by  whose  hand." 

Prayer  was  then  offered  by  Rev.  C.  V.  McKaig,  after  which 
the  pastor  stated  the  object  of  the  meeting,  and,  in  behalf  of 
the  congregation,  extended  a  cordial  welcome  to  invited  guests, 
and  all  others  who  had  honored  the  occasion  with  their  pres- 
ence. Deep  regret  was  expressed  that  the  Rev.  Wm.  B.  Mc- 
Ilvaine,  the  first  pastor  of  the  church,  owing  to  distance  and 
feeble  health,  was  unable  to  accept  the  cordial  invitation  of  the 
session  to  be  present  at  the  celebration.  It  was  noticed,  how- 
ever, as  a  matter  for  congratulation,  that  two  of  the  former 
elders  of  the  church,  Messrs.  George  A.  Berry  and  Robert  C. 
Totten,  had  been  able  to  respond  to  similar  invitations. 

One  of  the  pleasant  features  of  the  evening  was  the  pres- 
ence of  representatives  from  two  contiguous  churches,  in  one 

74 


SERMONS   AND  ADDRESSES 

sense  daughters  of  this  church,  because  organized  within  her 
territory,  and  in  part  by  her  members,  Shady  Side  and  West- 
minster. On  invitation,  the  pastor  of  the  former,  the  Rev.  W.  T. 
Beatty,  D.  D.,  returned  the  greeting  of  the  mother  to  the 
daughter.  In  a  brief  but  appropriate  address,  he  fully  recipro- 
cated the  expressions  of  kindness  and  Christian  fellowship  with 
which  he  had  been  introduced,  congratulated  the  church  upon 
her  record  in  the  past,  and  wished  her  the  highest  prosperity  in 
the  future. 

Westminster  responded  through  one  of  her  ruling  elders, 
Mr.  L.  P.  Greaves,  who  with  great  candor  dwelt  for  a  moment 
on  the  struggles  of  our  younger  born,  but  spoke  in  the  strong- 
est terms,  and  with  unwavering  confidence,  of  the  ripeness  of 
the  field  and  the  hopefulness  of  the  church's  future. 

He  was  followed  by  Mr.  George  Finley,  of  the  same 
church,  who  had  been  a  member  of  the  Sabbath  school  out  of 
which  East  Liberty  church  grew,  and  who  occupied  a  few  min- 
utes in  relating  reminiscences  of  early  days. 

Next  came  an  appropriate  selection,  beautifully  and  impres- 
sively rendered  by  the  choir,  which  led  up  to  the  crowning 
feature  of  the  evening's  entertainment,  viz. :  the  recognition  and 
remembrance  of  the  only  two  surviving  members  of  the  original 
organization,  Messrs.  John  Barr  and  William  N.  Burchfield. 
Not  only  have  these  venerable  fathers  been  members  of  the 
church  for  fifty  years,  but  for  forty-one  years  have  served  in 
the  capacity  of  ruling  elders. 

The  pastor,  after  congratulating  them  on  the  distinguishing 
goodness  of  God,  which  had  spared  them  to  join  in  the  festivi- 
ties of  this  celebration,  and  speaking  briefly  of  their  eminent 
service,  and  of  the  honor  and  esteem  in  which  they  were  held, 
presented  each  of  them,  in  the  name  of  the  congregation,  with 
an  easy  chair.  The  chairs  had  been  placed  on  the  platform  in 
front  of  the  pulpit,  where  each  of  them,  in  turn,  took  his  seat 
as  the  chairs  were  presented.  Overcome  with  the  memories  of 
the  past,  and  such  tokens  of  rcognition  in  the  present,  it  was 
with  difficulty  that  even  Mr.  Burchfield,  the  younger  of  the 
two  by  ten  years,  could  control  his  feelings  sufficiently  to  re- 
spond. Ivaboring  under  the  power  of  deep  emotion,  he  never- 
theless uttered,  very  touchingly  and  appropriately,  a  few  words 

75 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

of  thanks,  concluding  by  invoking  God's  richest  blessing  upon 
the  church,  in  the  language  of  the  hymn  with  which  the  exer- 
cises had  been  opened. 

The  closing  address  was  by  the  Rev.  John  G.  Brovi'n,  D.  D., 
who  had  been  invited  to  respond  in  behalf  of  the  aged  brethren 
thus  remembered  and  honored.  In  a  few  neat  and  well 
chosen  words,  Dr.  Brown  discharged  the  duty  assigned  to  him, 
claiming  identity  with  the  congregation  in  fts  earlier  history, 
sketching  a  graphic  picture  of  the  church  as  it  once  was,  and 
closing  with  a  touching  invocation  and  benediction  on  those 
whom  the  people  had  delighted  to  honor. 

After  the  singing  of  the  doxology,  and  the  pronouncing  of 
the  benediction  by  the  Rev.  A.  C.  McClelland,  the  congrega- 
tion again  withdrew  to  the  lecture  room,  where  another  hour 
was  spent  in  pleasant  social  intercourse. 

The  public  exercises  connected  with  the  celebration  of  the 
semi-centenary  were  brought  to  a  close  on  Sabbath  afternoon, 
September  29,  by  the  celebration  of  the  anniversary  of  the  Sab- 
bath School.  The  congregation  assembled  was  very  large,  and 
the  deepest  interest  was  manifested  in  the  various  parts  of  the 
delightful  service. 

CHURCH  OFFICERS 

PASTOR 

Rev.  John  Gillespie 

ELDERS 

John  Barr  Lemuel  Spahr 

Wm.  N.  Burchfield  Wm.  G.  Johnston 

Robert  Dickey  Francis  B.  M;.Connell 

James  B.  Lyon  Thomas  C.  Lazear 

DEACONS 
George  G.  Negley  John  Lusk 

John  Gilchrist  John  Allen 

Joseph  Torren^:  Isaiah  K.  Becker 

TRUSTEES 
George  Bingham,  Pres't  John  H.  McKelvy 

John  C.  Alrich,  Sec'y  H.  W.  Fulton,  M.  D. 

James  R.  Mellon  James  W.  Baychelor 

TREASURER 

Francis  B.  McConnell 

SEXTON 

John  Grounds 

76 


SERMONS   AND   ADDRESSES 

SABBATH  SCHOOL 

Supt. — Alex.  C.  Montgomery 
Asst.  Supt. — Jacob  B.  Negley 
Treasurer — Benjamin  B.  Pears 
Conductor  of  Music — Henry  W.  Fulton,  M.  D. 
Librarian — J.  Pennock  Hart 
Assistant  Librarians —  William  J.  Spahr  Robert  Bailey 

J.  Ben  Lyon 

HOME  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY 

Pres. — Mrs.  Wtlliam  G.  Johnston 
Sec'y  and  Treas, —  Mrs.  Thomas  Mellon 

AUXILIARY  FOREIGN  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY 

Pres. — Miss  Laura  E.  Batchelor. 
Vice-Pres. — Mus  Ellen  Lyon 
Secretary  and  1  reasurer—  Miss  A.  Josephine  Spahr 

CHOIR 
Leader — Alex  C.  Montgomery        Organist — Miss  S.  Page  Orr 

MEMBERS 
Miss  Annie  McClelland  Mr.  Wm.  A.  Burchfield 

Mrs.  Helen  S.  Ford  Mr.  F.  G.  Paulson 

Mrs.  W.  H.  McConnell  Mr.  Wm.  H.  McConnell 

Miss  Kate  Courtney  Mr.  Chas.  H.  Riggs 

Miss  Annie  R.  McConnell  Mr.  John  L.  Person 


77 


WILLIAM  G.  JOHNSTON 

Elder;    Sabbath    School    Superintendent. 


HISTORICAL  ADDRESS 

Delivered  Sabbath,  September  30,  1888,  on  the  Occasion 

OF  the  Sixtieth  Anniversary  of  the  Organization 

AND  the  Dedication  of  the  Present  Church 

By  William  G.  Johnston,  Elder. 

[HE  task  assigned  us  by  the  session,  of  presenting, 
within  the  brief  time  that  can  be  allotted  on  this 
occasion,  a  sketch  of  a  history,  as  this,  crowded  with 
so  many  precious  memories,  seems  so  laden  with  im- 
possibilities that  at  the  threshold  we  can  but  shrink  at  the 
thought  of  its  execution.  Perspicuity,  coupled  with  condensa- 
tion, are  the  demands  which  render  the  task  difficult. 

As  words,  then,  cannot  be  wasted  when  such  are  the  condi- 
tions, we  must  be  chary  of  their  use  in  preliminaries,  as  we 
hasten  to  make  a  beginning. 

The  sole  historian  of  this  organization,  in  all  the  period 
of  its  existence,  has  been  its  late  pastor.  Rev.  John  Gillespie, 
D.  D. ;  and  so  methodical  and  industrious  a  gleaner  was  he, 
that  it  is  well  nigh  vain  to  add  to  the  sheaves  he  garnered. 
Whilst  imitating  the  example  of  Ruth,  whose  kinsman  kindly 
bade  his  young  men,  "Let  her  glean  even  among  the  sheaves, 
and  reproach  her  not,"  we  bespeak  the  indulgence  commanded 
by  Boaz,  while,  too,  we  remind  you  that  what  the  generous 
Bethlehemite  added,  as  he  spake  in  his  barley  field,  is  not  ours  to 
enjoy — "Let  fall  also  some  of  the  handfuls  of  purpose  for  her, 
and  leave  them  that  she  may  glean  them,  and  rebuke  her  not." 

BEGINNINGS 
The  germ  of  this  church's  organization  can  be  traced  prior 
to  the  year  1819,  when  Mr.  Jacob  Negley,  Sr.,  erected,  near 
the  site  of  this  edifice,  a  frame  school  house  in  which,  at  irregu- 
lar intervals,  ministers  of  various  evangelical  denominations 
conducted  religious  services ;  so  that  with  some  degree  of  fitness 
we  may  employ  the  words  which  she  of  Samaria  addressed  the 
wearied  Saviour  as  He  sat  and  rested  by  Sychar's  well  at  noon- 
tide— "Our  father  Jacob  gave  us  this  well,  and  drank  thereat, 
he  and  his  children." 

79 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

THE  FIRST  HOUSE  OF  WORSHIP— AN  EARLY  FRIEND 

In  the  year  1819  the  little  school  house  gave  way  for  a 
church  building,  erected  upon  a  lot  containing  one  and  a  half 
acres  of  ground,  which  Mrs.  Barbara  A.  Negley  conveyed  to 
some  of  her  neighbors  in  trust,  for  the  "East  Liberty  Presby- 
terian Congregation."  This  deed  bears  date  April  12th,  1819. 
In  1847,  when  the  congregation  was  about  to  erect  the  second 
house  of  worship  built  upon  this  lot,  Mrs.  Negley  added  an- 
other, eastward  of  her  former  gift,  and  in  the  course  of  events 
this  has  proved  an  addition  far  beyond  the  conception  of  the 
wisest  in  that  day,  as  it  secured  the  admirable  frontage  possessed 
by  reason  of  the  opening  of  South  Hiland  avenue. 

The  bell  which  hangs  in  the  steeple  overhead,  and  which  for 
twenty-one  years  past  has  summoned  hither  worshipers  of  God, 
was  also  the  gift  of  this  mother  in  Israel ;  and  among  its  earli- 
est peals  were  those  which  sounded  her  requiem,  as  the  mourn- 
ing cortege  bore  her  remains  to  the  silent  city  of  the  dead.  And 
yonder  beautiful  window,  in  the  western  wall  of  the  transept, 
representing  the  women  bearing  spices  and  ointments  to  the  sep- 
ulchre to  embalm  the  body  of  the  dead  Christ,  fitly  commem- 
orates her  who  loved  and  honored  and  served  the  living  Christ. 

After  receiving  the  donation  of  the  lot,  we  learn  from  the 
scant  records  which  remain,  that  a  subscription  of  $1,561.62^2 
was  at  once  raised  to  build  "a  school  and  meeting  house,  to  be 
for  the  use  of  the  Presbyterian  congregation,  called  the  East 
Liberty  Presbyterian  Congregation." 

This  house,  built  of  brick,  stood  in  part  upon  the  present 
site.  It  was  forty-four  feet  square,  and  had  one  corner  to- 
wards the  Greensburg  'pike,  now  Penn  avenue,  in  consequence 
of  the  design  to  face  it  towards  the  east.  Its  hipped  roof  was 
supported  by  an  ornamental  pillar  which  ran  up  through  the 
centre  of  the  building,  and  terminated  in  a  pinnacle  above  the 
roof.  The  building  fund  was  exhausted  before  the  structure 
was  completed,  and  the  finance  committee  of  that  day  made 
free  use  of  the  generosity  of  Mr.  Negley,  to  whom  they  be- 
came largely  indebted.  And  the  building  committee,  in  lieu  of 
pews,  introduced  benches  without  backs,  and  improvised  a  sort 
of  pulpit  in  one  corner  of  the  room. 

8o 


SERMONS   AND  ADDRESSES 

EAST  LIBERTY  VALLEY  IN  THE  OLDEN  TIME 

There  was  doubtless  some  correspondence  between  the  house 
of  worship  and  the  average  homes  of  the  worshipers.  Even 
within  our  own  brief  experience,  which  goes  back  half  a  cen- 
tury, we  retain  pictures  in  our  mind  of  some  of  these,  and  also 
of  the  East  Liberty  valley;  obtained  from  such  prominences  as 
the  hill  immediately  towards  the  west,  Morningside  and  Point 
Breeze,  and  which  the  changes  of  modern  times  have  not  ef- 
faced. One  of  these,  put  into  words  for  a  diflferent  use,  we 
give  verbatim :  "Passing  great  farm  lands  on  the  right  and  on 
the  left,  and  log  cabins  almost  hid  from  sight  by  huge  hay 
stacks;  then  past  a  great  hostelry — the  Black  Horse  tavern — 
with  swinging  sign  at  the  top  of  a  high  pole — the  device,  of 
course,  a  black  charger,  reined  tightly  and  in  full  trot;  while 
just  opposite,  was  a  great  barn  affording  stabling  for  the  tavern 
gxiests,  its  gable  next  the  road  perforated  for  the  accommoda- 
tion of  a  great  flock  of  pigeons — many  fan  tails  among  them. 
Close  to  the  barn  was  a  large  watering  trough  for  the  conven- 
ience of  the  wayfaring  public;  for  there  was  a  constant  cara- 
van of  great  canvas  topped  wagons,  drawn  by  six-horse  teams, 
usually  having  clusters  of  bells  above  their  saddle  bows,  which 
tinkled  merrily  as  they  moved  along.  And  in  these  wagons 
much  of  the  commerce  between  the  East  and  the  West  was 
conducted. 

"Besides,  there  were  stages  innumerable  for  the  transporta- 
tion of  living  freight ;  for  all  this,  be  it  remembered,  was  before 
the  days  of  railroads  in  or  around  Pittsburgh.  The  road  now 
bending  a  little  eastwardly,  presently  another  scene  of  tranquil 
beauty  was  spread  at  our  feet;  one  which  I  doubt  has  its 
equal  this  side  of  heaven — the  charming  valley  of  East  Liberty ! 

"There  were  no  palatial  residences,  with  velvety  lawns  and 
choice  shrubbery;  but  there  were  numerous  log  cabins,  with 
morning  glories  peeping  through  the  vines  that  clambered  over 
rude  porches,  and  gourds,  or  mock  oranges,  hanging  from  those 
whose  tendrils  found  secure  lodgment  in  the  chinks  of  the 
gables." 

PICTURES   IN   NUMERALS 

We  shall  presently  speak  of  the  church  as  it  was  in  the  year 
1828.     Before  doing  so,  however,  a  few  statistics  in  reference 

8i 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

to  that  particular  date  may  afford  a  striking  contrast  with  the 
present  and  enable  us  to  form  opinions  respecting  the  sur- 
roundings of  the  church,  and  bring  these  more  vividly  to  vievi^, 
perhaps,  than  the  picture  we  have  attempted  to  draw:  The 
population  of  Pittsburgh  then  was  15,000.  The  Twentieth 
Ward,  in  which  the  church  is  located,  now  contains  10,000 
people ! 

Our  city  now,  based  upon  the  last  census  and  calculating  its 
increase  in  the  ratio  as  in  preceding  decimal  periods,  has  not 
less  than  250,000  inhabitants.  These  figures,  contrasted  with 
the  population  of  the  thirteen  original  States  in  1790,  show  that 
Pittsburgh  now  contains  one-third  as  many  people  as  there 
were  then  in  the  entire  State  of  Virginia,  the  most  populous 
at  that  period.  It  has  more  than  one-half  the  number  there 
were  in  either  of  the  States  of  Pennsylvania,  New  York,  Massa- 
chusetts, Maryland  or  North  Carolina;  about  as  many  as  there 
were  in  either  South  Carolina  or  Connecticut;  a  greater  num- 
ber than  there  were  in  New  Hampshire  or  New  Jersey,  and 
more  than  were  contained  in  the  three  remaining  States  com- 
bined, Rhode  Island,  Delaware  and  Georgia. 

STATED  WORSHIP  OF  PRESBYTERIAN  FORM 
Although,  for  religious  purposes,  and  having  the  name  Pres- 
byterian attached,  a  house  had  been  built  as  early  as  has  been 
stated,  it  was  not  until  February,  1828,  that  stated  worship 
of  Presbyterian  form  was  held  in  the  "meeting  house" — for  up 
to  this  period  ministers  of  several  denominations  held  occasional 
services,  as  they  could  be  secured  from  time  to  time. 

THE  SABBATH  SCHOOL 
A  few  years  prior  to  this  a  Sabbath  school  had  been  started. 
At  its  first  session  there  were  nine  pupils;  and  the  teachers 
were  Luke  Loomis,  now  remembered  as  the  venerable  elder  of 
the  Second  Presbyterian  Church;  and  Isaac  Harris,  whose 
various  publications  respecting  the  growth  of  the  city  are  now 
treasured  as  mementoes  of  the  past.  "The  Sabbath  school,  it  is 
believed,  has  been  continued  without  interruption  till  the 
present." 

EAST  LIBERTY  A  MISSION  FIELD 
It  should  greatly  encourage  all  who  are  interested  in  Home 

82 


JOllX   ROUP 
First  Superintendent  of  Sabbath  School;  Trustee  1823. 


SERMONS    AND    ADDRESSES 

Mission  work,  that  the  Presbyterian  Board  of  Domestic  Mis- 
sions, now  the  Board  of  Home  Missions,  so  closelj'  followed 
up  the  initial  work  of  which  we  have  spoken,  as  to  be  entitled 
at  least  to  the  name  of  foster  parent  of  this  church ;  for  upon 
the  8th  of  February,  1828,  it  commissioned  Rev.  John  Joyce  to 
"publish  the  Gospel  and  administer  the  ordinances  in  the  neigh- 
borhood of  Pittsburgh,  Pennsylvania,  at  discretion." 

Exercising  this  discretionary  power,  Mr.  Joyce  selected  East 
Liberty  as  his  field  of  labor,  for  it  bore  the  bad  distinction  of 
being  a  godless  community,  though  in  the  midst  of  it  there  was 
a  measure  of  leaven,  as  we  have  recorded,  and  some  earnest 
workers  ready  and  anxious  to  stay  the  hands  of  him  who  had 
been  sent  to  proclaim  the  glad  tidings  of  the  Gospel ;  prominent 
among  whom  was  the  late  Francis  G.  Bailey,  who,  through  a 
long  and  useful  life,  in  imitation  of  his  divine  Master,  "went 
about  doing  good." 

THE  CHURCH  ORGANIZED 
Stated  worship  having  been  begun  by  Mr.  Joyce,  Mr.  Bailey 
at  once  canvassed  the  community  and  obtained  signatures  to  a 
petition  for  the  organization  of  a  church.  East  Liberty  lay 
within  the  bounds  of  Redstone  Presbytery,  which  met  on  April 
1st,  1828,  at  Saltsburg,  and  to  it  on  that  day  the  petition  was 
presented  by  Mr.  Bailey  and  Mr.  John  Roup,  who  appeared 
as  commissioners  on  behalf  of  the  families  interested.  Serious 
and  spirited  opposition  was  made  to  this  application  on  the  part 
of  the  historic  Beulah  church,  situated  on  the  hill  top  bej'ond 
the  suburb  now,  and  perhaps  then,  known  as  Wilkinsburg. 
It  was  represented  as  an  encroachment  upon  the  territory  of 
that  organization ;  and  the  further  argument  was  made  that 
there  were  no  Presbyterians  in  East  Liberty  to  form  a  con- 
gregation. To  the  latter  point  the  modest  reply  of  Mr.  Bailey 
was,  "There  are  plenty  of  people  there,  and  we  expect  to 
have  them  converted,  and  they  will  make  the  church." 

Presbytery  at  length  granted  the  request  and  took  steps  for 
the  formation  of  a  congregation. 

THE  FIRST  MEMBERS 
On  Thursday,   September  25th,    1828,   in   accordance  with 
a  notice  given  on  the  preceding  Sabbath,  a  meeting  was  held 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

at  the  residence  of  Mr.  Bailey,  at  which  twenty-two  persons 
presented  certificates  of  dismission  from  other  churches,  desiring 
to  have  connection  with  this.  Their  names  were:  Robert 
Bailey,  Sr.,  Hannah  Bailey,  Isabella  Bailey,  Francis  G.  Bailey, 
Maiy  Ann  Bailey,  Wm.  M.  Miller,  Robert  Barr,  Mary 
Whitesides,  Catharine  Brown,  James  and  Jane  Backhouse,  from 
the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Pittsburgh;  William  Semple, 
Ann  Semple,  Wm.  N.  Burchfield,  Wm.  Joyce,  Elizabeth  Joyce 
and  Ann  Boner,  from  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church  of  Pitts- 
burgh; Andrew  Mitchell  and  Susan  Mitchell,  from  Bethany 
Presbyterian  Church ;  Mary  Burchfield,  from  the  Presbyterian 
Church  of  McKeesport,  and  John  Barr  and  Mary  Barr,  from 
the  Associate  Reformed  Church  of  Pittsburgh. 

THE  FIRST  ELDERS  AND  THEIR  SUCCESSORS 
The  formal  organization  was  effected  on  Sabbath,  September 
28th,  at  which  time  also  Robert  Bailey,  James  Backhouse  and 
Francis  G,  Bailey  were  nominated  for  the  office  of  ruling  elder ; 
these  were  subsequently  elected,  ordained  and  installed. 

The  ruling  elders  chosen  subsequently,  and  down  to  the 
present  time,  are  as  follows — the  dates  named  being  those  of 
installation:  On  March  24th,  1837,  John  Barr,  Henry  W. 
Lang,  Wm.  N.  Burchfield,  and  Thomas  McCleary.  Septem- 
ber — th,  1856,  Geo.  A.  Berry,  Dr.  W.  C.  Reiter  and  Thos. 
Aiken.  November  19th,  1865,  Robert  Dickey,  James  B.  Lyon 
and  Robert  C.  Totten.  The  two  former  are  the  senior  mem- 
bers of  the  session  as  at  present.  September  25th,  1870, 
Lemuel  Spahr  and  Wm.  G.  Johnston.  November  6th,  of  the 
same  year,  Francis  B.  McConnell  and  Thomas  C.  Lazear;  and 
upon  October  12th,  1879,  Dr.  H.  W.  Fulton,  Albert  A.  Get- 
tys.  Dr.  T.  D.  Davis  and  W.  C.  Stewart;  the  six  mentioned 
prior  to  the  last  named  being  also  members  of  the  session  as 
now  constituted. 

Could  we  but  pause  a  moment  to  pay  a  tribute  to  the  mem- 
ories of  some  of  these,  our  brethren,  who  have  exchanged 
crosses  for  crowns,  gladly  would  we  do  so ;  but  we  are  admon- 
ished by  that  inexorable  word  time — time. 

84 


GEORGE  G.  NEGLEY 

The   First   Deacon    1870;    Trustee   1839;    Church   Treasurer; 

Sabbath   School   Teacher. 


SERMONS    AND    ADDRESSES 

THE  DEACONS 
In  the  year  1870  the  congregation  for  the  first  time  elected 
a  board  of  deacons.  We  give  below  the  names  of  those  then 
chosen,  together  with  those  whom  the  congregation  subse- 
quently elected ;  the  dates  are  those  of  ordination  and  installa- 
tion: On  November  6th,  1870,  George  G.  Negley,  Wm.  L. 
Denison,  Thomas  D.  Patterson,  Stewart  McKee,  John  Gil- 
christ and  Joseph  Torrens;  on  January  31st,  1875,  John  Lusk, 
John  Allen  and  Isaiah  K.  Becker;  on  October  12,  1879, 
Lewis  A.  Denison.  Two  of  these,  viz,  Mr.  George  G.  Negley 
and  Mr.  Wm.  L.  Denison,  each  eminently  qualified  for  the  po- 
sition held  in  the  church,  having  hearts  warmed  by  the  grace 
of  God  to  feel  for  those  deprived  of  the  ordinary  comforts  of 
life,  have  entered  into  rest,  and  to  the  full  enjoyment  of  the 
Paradise  on  high;  where,  too,  unfading  riches  is  the  inheri- 
tance of  those  of  whom  it  hath  been  written — "Blessed  be  ye 
poor,  for  yours  is  the  kingdom  of  God." 

Messrs.  Patterson,  McKee  and  Becker  have  united  with 
other  churches,  and  the  five  others  now  constitute  the  Board. 

TRUSTEES 
According  to  the  deed  of  Mrs.  Negley,  dated  April  12th, 
1819,  the  board  of  trustees,  which  had  been  appointed  previ- 
ously, consisted  of  a  president  and  six  members,  as  follows,  viz: 
Jacob  Negley,  President ;  John  Fluck,  Samuel  Peebles,  John 
Roup,  Casper  Negley,  David  Eakin  and  Wm.  B.  Foster. 

On  April  7th,  1828,  being  a  few  months  prior  to  the  organ- 
ization of  the  church  under  control  of  Presbytery,  twelve  Trus- 
tees were  chosen,  viz:  Francis  G.  Bailey,  John  Roup,  James 
Backhouse,  Robt.  Bailey,  Sr.,  Solomon  Berlin,  Casper  Negley, 
Abraham  Reimer,  A.  F.  Grove,  John  Patterson,  John  Mc- 
Clintock,  Nicholas  Dahlem  and  Jacob  Negley,  Jr. 

In  the  year  following  the  number  was  reduced  to  six,  at 
which  it  yet  remains ;  this  too  being  in  accordance  with  a 
charter  obtained  in  1847,  which,  having  been  lost  or  mislaid, 
was  replaced  by  another,  granted  by  the  courts  in  1861. 

85 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

The  board  at  present  is  thus  constituted : 

James  W.  Batchelor,  President,   James  R.  Mellon, 

Oliver  J.  Parker,  Secretary,        John  F.  Scott, 

H.  P.  Krebs,  Treasurer,  James  I.  Buchanan. 

When  the  congregation  chose  its  first  board  of  trustees  it 
resolved  to  elect  these  officers  annually  on  "Easter  Monday," 
a  custom  that  prevails  to  the  present,  however  shocking  the 
necessary  yearly  announcement  from  the  pulpit  might  sound 
to  the  ears  of  a  Jenny  Geddes. 

Among  the  earliest  duties  of  the  trustees  then  elected  was  to 
provide  for  a  debt  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  sherifiE,  The 
amount  was  but  a  few  hundred  dollars,  but  the  entire  property 
was  in  jeopardy.  Jacob  Negley,  Jr.,  and  Francis  G.  Bailey 
stepped  into  the  breach — each  paying  a  small  sum  to  the  cred- 
itors to  quiet  them  for  a  time,  and  until  the  congregation  had 
gathered  funds  to  wipe  out  the  incumbrance. 

This  adjustment  effected,  the  building  was  put  in  proper 
condition.  Pews  took  the  place  of  the  benches,  and  a  suitable 
pulpit  was  erected. 

THE  SPIRITUAL  TEMPLE 
The  house  made  with  hands  being  thus  conditioned,  the  inner 
temple  was  speedily  adorned  by  the  presence  and  manifestations 
of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Numbers  flocked  to  the  house  of  God,  as 
doves  to  the  windows,  and  in  six  months  the  membership  trebled 
by  additions  both  upon  confession  and  certificate ;  and  it  was 
thus  that  the  labors  of  the  missionary  and  his  co-workers  were 
blessed. 

RETIREMENT  OF  MR.  JOYCE— HIS  SUCCESSOR 
In  the  spring  of  1829  Mr.  Joyce  was  desirous  of  cultivating 
other  portions  of  the  field  included  in  his  commission;  and  pos- 
sibly with  a  view  to  this,  as  well  as  to  provide  for  the  vacancy 
which  his  absence  from  East  Liberty  would  occasion,  he  at- 
tended the  meeting  of  General  Assembly  at  Philadelphia,  held 
in  May  of  that  year.  But  whatever  may  have  occasioned  his 
presence  at  that  Assembly,  we  are  fortunate  to-day  in  being 
able  to  present  facts  never  previously  clearly  understood.  Whilst 
it   is   a   matter   of   history   which   will    doubtless   interest   all 

86 


SERMONS    AND    ADDRESSES 

present,  it  will  be  doubly  valued  by  those  whose  privilege  it 
was  to  sit  under  the  ministry  of  the  first  pastor.  We  refer  to 
a  letter  but  recently  received  by  Dr.  Kumler  from  Rev,  W.  B. 
Mcllvaine,  which  we  are  now  permitted  to  present: 

Peoria,  September  12,  1888. 
Rev.  J.  P.  E.  Kumler,  D.  D. 

Dear  Brother: — Your  kind  invitation  to  attend  the  dedication  of 
your  new  church  was  received  with  fhanks  for  the  cordial  expression 
of  your  desire  for  my  presence.  I  feel  that  agp  and  distance  impel 
me  to  decline.     Home  is  the  best  place  for  me  now. 

I  congratulate  you  and  the  congregation  on  the  completion  of  your 
large  and  costly  edifice,  and  hope  to  hear  that  it  is  given  to  the  Lord 
free  from  debt. 

Old  memories  crowd  upon  me  as  I  think  of  the  years  that  are  past. 
How  did  I  get  there?  Let  me  tell  you:  Dr.  He.ron  and  Mr.  Joyce 
were  at  the  General  Assembly  in  1829,  and  app'Jed  to  the  Domestic 
Mission  Board  for  a  missionary  for  the  church  of  East  Liberty,  and 
while  they  were  talking  to  Dr.  Ely,  Secretary  of  the  Board,  I  opened 
the  door  of  the  office  and  walked  in.  Dr.  Ely  at  once  spoke  up  and 
said,  "Here  is  your  man,"  and  introduced  me  to  them.  In  a  few 
minutes  a  commission  was  made  out  and  handed  to  me.  After  the 
Assembly  closed  I  went  home  to  Lancaster  county  and  made  a  hasty 
preparation  and  mounted  my  horse  with  my  wardrobe  and  library  in 
my  saddle  bags,  and  started  on  a  journey  of  more  than  250  miles  to 
East  Liberty,  where  I  arrived  on  the  25th  of  June,  1829.  The 
people  received  me  very  kindly,  and  then  and  there  began  my  min- 
isterial life  work  of  forty  years.  After  a  few  Sabbaths  a  call  was 
made  out  for  my  services,  and  the  commission  was  returned. 

The  salary  was  $500;  when  we  entered  the  second  house  it  was 
raised  to  $700,  and  when  we  enteicd  fhe  third  hcuse  it  was  advanced 
to  $1,200. 

The  congregation  was  scattered  over  a  large  field  extending  from 
Lawrenceville  to  Sandy  Creek  on  the  Alleghenv  and  from  the  old 
city  limits  to  Braddock's  Field  on  the  Monongahcla  River, 

On  this  territory  there  was  no  other  church  of  any  denomination, 
or  any  regular  religious  services.  The  call  was  signed  by  37  names, 
and  the  signatures  indicated  verj  clearly  that  they  were  working 
people.  Not  one  of  these  is  left;  and  the  same  is  tiue  of  the  members 
of  the  church  when  my  labors  began.  They  are  l11  gone — to  be  met 
again  only  at  the  Judgment,  when  pastor  and  people  will  give  account. 
The  beginning  was  small,  but  the  mustard  seed  has  grown  till  we 
behold  a  tree  with  wide  spreading  branches,  aflForaing  a  church  home 
for  a  multitude  of  people. 

There  are  now  eleven  Presbyterian  churches,  and  as  many  or  more 
of  other  denominations  on  the  field  where  I  had  the  only  one.  "What 
hath  God  wrought!" 

87 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY  PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

The  benevolent  oflFerings  were  always  liberal  in  proportion  to  the 
ability,  and  collections  for  all  objects  ordered  by  the  General  Assem- 
bly were  regularly  taken  up  in  the  congregation. 

The  capacity  of  the  second  house  was  more  than  300.  There  were 
86  pews,  and  they  would  hold  an  average  of  five  persons,  counting 
the  children,  or  400  in  all. 

In  closing,  let  me  express  ray  joy  in  your  prosperity,  and  my  pray- 
ers for  the  continued  blessing  of  God  on  all  your  labors,  and  ask  your 
prayers   for  the   old  pastor. 

Yours  in  Christ, 

W.    B.    MclLVAlNE. 

THE  FIRST  PASTORATE 
Mr.  Mcllvaine's  missionary  work  began  here  on  the  last 
Sabbath  of  June,  1829,  and  in  August  of  that  year  a  call  for 
his  pastoral  services  was  made,  and  at  the  meeting  of  Presby- 
tery in  October  it  was  presented,  and  he  was  accordingly  or- 
dained and  installed  on  the  20th  of  April,  1830,  Rev.  Francis 
Herron,  D.D.,  and  Rev.  Matthew  Brown,  D.D.,  participating 
in  the  services  of  that  occasion. 

The  young  pastor  was  a  native  of  Pennsjdvania,  a  graduate 
of  Princeton  Theological  Seminary  and  a  licentiate  of  New 
Castle  Presbytery.  His  faithful  labors  over  the  charge  to 
which'  he  was  called  extended  to  April  21st,  1870,  when,  at 
his  request,  the  Presbytery  of  Ohio  dissolved  the  pastoral  rela- 
tion, which  included,  as  stated  in  the  letter  read,  the  round 
period  of  forty  years.  Abundant  as  are  the  materials  to  speak 
at  length  and  in  a  manner  worthy  the  subject,  the  circumstances 
as  to  time  will  not  permit  us,  as  we  could  desire,  to  dwell  upon 
this  long  and  useful  pastorate,  so  blessed  to  the  church,  so 
blessed  to  the  community,  and  whose  full  record  is  alone  on 
high,  where  a  glorious  crown  awaits  the  venerable  servant  of 
God. 

SECOND  HOUSE  OF  WORSHIP 

The  second  house  of  worship,  designed  to  provide  enlarged 
accommodations  for  an  increased  congregation,  was  begun  to 
be  built  in  1847,  finished  in  the  following  spring  and  dedicated 
June  12th,  1848.  Its  dimensions  were  50x70  feet;  it  was 
built  of  brick  and  quite  plain.  Its  capacity  has  already  been 
stated  in  the  letter  of  Mr.  Mcllvaine. 

88 


'%\ 


THE   Ri;V.   WM.   B.   McILVAlXE,  D.D. 
First  Pastor. 


SERMONS   AND   ADDRESSES 

INCREASED  POPULATION 
The  opening  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  for  travel  about 

November,  1853,  was  a  signal  to  many  residents  of  Pittsburgh 
to  seek  for  homes  along  that  new  highway,  and  from  that 
date  the  great  influx  into  the  East  Liberty  valley  had  a  begin- 
ning. We  pause  a  moment  to  pick  up  the  fact  that  for  a  con- 
siderable time  a  single  car  per  day  on  the  Pennsylvania  Rail- 
road, running  in  each  direction,  was  more  than  sufficient  for  the 
passenger  travel  between  Pittsburgh  and  Brinton's,  and  this, 
at  the  first,  as  we  were  yesterday  informed  by  one  of  the  offi- 
cials, was  usually  hitched  to  a  freight  train.  Now  forty-four 
eastbound  local  trains,  averaging  five  cars  each,  stop  at  East 
Liberty  station,  and  the  same  number  also  run  to  the  city, 
and,  as  we  all  know,  they  are  usually  crowded.  While  we  are 
quite  in  accord  with  Matthew  Arnold,  that  "it  is  no  proof 
that  the  highest  pitch  of  civilization  has  been  attained  because 
trains  run  every  fifteen  minutes  between  Islington  and  Camber- 
well,"  yet  it  is  proof  that  cannot  be  gainsaid,  in  view  of  the 
statistics  given,  that  the  church  is  losing  her  opportunity  and 
falling  far  short  of  her  duty  and  privilege,  if  she  quietly  views 
such  a  flow  of  population  within  her  borders  as  these  facts 
indicate,  without  taking  adequate  steps  to  open  wide  her  doors 
and  to  expand  her  walls  to  receive  it. 

To  resume:  On  account  of  the  increased  population  center- 
ing about  East  Liberty,  because  of  these  railroad  facilities,  the 
congregation,  which  so  recently  as  1847  had  erected  a  church, 
in  1860  was  compelled  to  take  steps  for  a  yet  larger  edifice. 

AN  INTERFERENCE 
In  consequence,  however,  of  the  slaveholders'  rebellion,  which 
soon  after  began  and  had  to  be  stamped  out,  the  attention  of 
this  loyal  people  was  turned  in  that  direction,  and  they  gave 
liberally  of  their  sons  and  of  their  other  treasures  to  that  holy 
cause. 

A  THIRD  HOUSE  OF  WORSHIP 
Meanwhile  the  brick  and  mortar  walls  of  our  Zion  arose  but 
slowly,  and  it  was  not  until  January,  1864,  that  the  house  was 

89 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

completed.  Its  cost  was  $22,700.  At  once  it  was  occupied, 
and  the  dedication  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  M.  W. 
Jacobus,  D.  D. 

Of  the  seven  persons  who  composed  the  Building  Commit- 
tee, one  only,  Mr.  Robert  Dickey,  is  yet  with  us;  two  are  in 
other  communions,  IVlr.  Geo.  A.  Berry  and  Mr.  Thomas  Sea- 
brook;  while  four.  Dr.  Gross,  Thomas  Aiken,  Geo.  W.  Hail- 
man  and  Daniel  Negley,  have  been  called  to  a  city  wherein  is 
no  temple,  "for  the  Lord  God  Almighty  and  the  Lamb  are 
the  temple  of  it." 

EVIDENCES  OF  FORESIGHT— INBORN  AND  INHERITED 
It  is,  perhaps,  due  to  one  of  these  to  state  that  had  his  views 
prevailed,  we  possibly  would  not  at  this  time  have  been  called 
upon  to  erect  this  fourth  edifice.  He,  as  well  as  the  pastor, 
Mr.  Mcllvaine,  opposed  the  building  of  a  two-story  house, 
such  as  is  allowable  in  a  crowded  city,  where  ground  is  scarce 
and  of  great  value. 

In  this  he  but  exhibited  a  foresight  worthy  the  son  of  him 
whose  name  is  prominently  introduced  in  the  early  part  of  this 
narrative,  and  who,  so  far  back  as  the  first  quarter  of  this  cen- 
tury, had  such  unbounded  faith  that  East  Liberty  would  be 
included  within  the  limits  of  Pittsburgh,  that  he  opened  up 
through  his  lands  the  magnificent  avenue,  one  hundred  feet  in 
width,  which  fronts  this  lot,  aiming  to  have  it  extended  to  the 
then  city  line;  but  the  owners  of  broad  acres  lying  between 
could  only  view  such  a  project  as  wasteful  extravagance.  Yes, 
genuine  foresight  was  a  gift  largely  possessed  and  inherited  by 
Daniel  Negley. 

CO-PASTOR  CALLED— SECOND  PASTORATE 
On  April  7th,  1865,  the  congregation  called  as  co-pastor  Mr. 
John  Gillespie.  We  do  not  give  the  usual  prefix.  Reverend, 
for  the  young  man,  who  was  unanimously  chosen  by  the  people, 
was  as  yet  a  theological  student  and  but  a  licentiate  of  the  Pres- 
bytery of  St.  Clairsville,  Ohio. 

Mr.  Gillespie  was  born  near  Edinburgh,  Scotland ;  received 
an  elementary  education  in  Haddington ;  came  to  America  at 
the  age  of  fourteen ;  received  private  instruction  from  his  pas- 
tor, Rev.  T.  A.  Grove,  through  whose  instrumentality  he  en- 

oo 


SERMONS    AND    ADDRESSES 

tered  the  church ;  having  thus  prepared  for  college,  with  the 
view  of  entering  the  ministry,  he  pursued  the  usual  course  of 
study  at  Washington  College,  and  was  graduated  from  thence 
in  1862;  transferred  to  the  Western  Theological  Seminary,  he 
at  length  passed  directly  to  this  church.  His  ordination  and 
installation  took  place  April  26th,  1865,  on  which  occasion  Rev. 
W.  W.  Eells  presided,  and  Rev.  David  McKinney,  D.D.,  Rev. 
George  Marshall.  D.D.,  and  Rev.  W.  D.  Howard,  D.D.,  took 
part  in  the  services. 

As  has  been  already  stated,  the  co-pastorate  ceased  April 
21st,  1870,  and  from  thence  forward  until  January  9th,  1882, 
the  entire  ministerial  and  pastoral  labors  devolved  upon  Mr. 
Gillespie,  who  faithfully  and  zealously  performed  them,  until 
the  date  named,  when  he  was  called  to  the  Westminster  Pres- 
byterian Church  at  Elizabeth,  N.  J.,  and  from  whence  he  was 
subsequently  transferred  to  the  Foreign  Mission  Board  of  our 
Church  as  one  of  its  honored  Secretaries. 

Upon  his  retirement  from  this  field,  the  congregation 
recorded  its  testimony  respecting  his  character,  and  the  work 
he  had  accomplished,  and  in  such  a  way  as  extorted  from  him, 
after  the  recital,  these  words,  which  he  addressed  to  the  author 
of  the  testimonial :  "I  am  proud  of  the  way  you  put  that, 
and  that  I  could  hold  my  head  up." 

Shortly  before  the  close  of  his  ministry  here,  the  University 
of  Wooster,  doubtless  intending  w^cll,  conferred  upon  Mr. 
Gillespie  the  honorary  degree  Doctor  of  Divinity,  but  we 
doubt  if  it  added  to  his  stature  one  cubit. 

After  a  vacation  of  eleven  months,  the  pastorate  was  sup- 
plied by  Rev.  B.  L.  Agnew,  D.  D.,  until  April  23rd,  1884,  a 
period  of  sixteen  months,  when  he  returned  to  Philadelphia, 
from  whence  he  had  come  hither. 

THE  PRESENT  PASTORATE 

Another  vacation  of  six  months  ensued,  when  the  present 
incumbent,  Rev.  J.  P.  E.  Kumler,  D.  D.,  was  called,  and  who 
was  installed  October  9th,  1884. 

91 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

MEMBERSHIP 
The  membership,   as  has  been  stated,   numbered   at   the 

beginning,  viz.,  September,   1828 22 

And  there  were   added  by  March,    1829,  three  months 

before  the  coming  of  the  first  pastor 44 

During  the  pastorate  of  Mr.  Mcllvaine 622 

From  the  installation  of  Dr.  Gillespie  until  that  of  his 

successor  there  were,  without  forcing  figures  for  such 

a  result,  exactly 600 

During  the  pastorate  of  Dr.  Agnew 56 

And  in  the  four  years  of  the  present  pastorate 388 

Showing  a  total  of 1,732 

About  45  per  cent,  of  which  were  of  those  received  upon 
profession  of  faith. 

Deducting  deaths  and  dismissals,  the  roll  at  this  day  shows 
a  total  of  750  members. 

SABBATH  SCHOOL 

Sabbath  School  work,  as  has  been  already  stated,  preceded 
M^hat  is  regarded  the  initial  church  work,  and  was  begun,  as 
nearly  as  can  be  ascertained,  in  the  year  1825,  with  two 
teachers  and  nine  pupils.  The  first  superintendent*  was  Francis 
G.  Bailey,  who  acted  in  this  capacity  from  1828  until  1841,  a 
period  of  thirteen  years,  when,  removing  to  the  city,  he  at 
once  engaged  in  similar  work  in  the  First  Presbyterian  Church. 

Mr.  Bailey  was  succeeded  in  this  position  by  Wm.  N. 
Burchfield  for  the  next  twent5'-one  years.  What  is  stated  in 
regard  to  the  long  terms  of  service  on  the  part  of  the  two  per- 
sons just  mentioned,  is  as  nearly  correct  as  can  now  be  ascer- 
tained in  the  absence  of  records.  Many  years  since  certain 
records  were  lost,  or,  as  is  supposed  by  some,  burned  in  a  fire 
which  destroyed  the  planing  mill  of  Jos.  Graham,  whose  son, 
Edward  (now  deceased),  at  the  time  was  secretary  of  the 
school.  But  as  to  what  period  these  covered  is  not  known, 
though  generally  believed  to  be  not  one  of  many  years.  Those 
now  possessed,  and  continuing  to  the  present  time,  begin  with 
October    1st,    1879;   beside  which  we   have   also   those   from 

[*  After  the  formal  organization  of  the  church.] 

92 


SERMONS    AND   ADDRESSES 

October,  1862,  to  October,  1<S64.  The  superintendents  suc- 
ceeding Mr.  Burchfield  are  given  below,  the  regular  term, 
or  school  year,  beginning  with  the  first  Sabbath  of  October: 
George  A.  Berry,  1862  to  1864;  Robert  C.  Totten,  1864  to 
1869;  Wm.  G.  Johnston,  1869  to  1877;  Geo.  W.  Mailman, 
1877  until  his  death,  on  May  14th,  1878,  whereupon  Alex. 
C.  Montgomery  served  for  the  remainder  of  the  term;  Dr. 
T.  D.  Davis,  1878  to  1881;  M.  E.  Cozad,  1881  to  1882. 
(In  the  latter  year,  the  session  being  unable  to  fill  the  posi- 
tion, Mr,  A.  A.  Gettys  consented  to  serve  temporarily,  and 
did  so  until  the  next  annual  election.)  James  Dickson,  1883 
to  1884;  Dr.  T.  D.  Davis,  1884  to  May  18th,  1887;  Chas. 
H.  Riggs,  from  the  latter  date  until  the  present. 

For  a  time,  at  least,  prior  to  November  4,  1872,  the  school 
had  been  permitted  to  govern  itself,  scholars  as  well  as  teachers 
uniting  in  the  election  of  superintendents  and  other  officers; 
but,  at  the  date  named,  the  then  superintendent  suggested  to 
the  session  the  propriety  of  its  exercising  this  control,  as  well 
as  the  election  of  teachers,  upon  the  nomination  of  the  superin- 
tendent, or  of  any  member  of  session.  The  suggestion  being 
approved  of,  from  that  time  forward  the  teachers  have  been 
thus  chosen  and  to  serve  for  the  period  of  one  j^ear,  each  being 
notified  of  such  election  by  the  clerk  of  session.  Tlie  teachers, 
however,  two  years  later  petitioned  session  to  permit  them  to 
exercise  their  choice  of  a  superintendent,  and  it  was  then 
thought  better  to  give  assent  to  this.  But  on  September  20, 
1879,  this  permission  was  withdrawn;  since  which  time  the 
entire  government  is  in  the  control  of  session.  For  almost  a 
score  of  years,  to  three  matters  deemed  essential,  attention  has 
been  given  systematically  and  with  thoroughness.  First,  to  a 
plan  of  enrollment  by  vi^hich  the  attendance  ot  every  scholar 
as  well  as  teacher  throughout  any  year  can  be  seen  at  a  glance ; 
as  well,  too,  the  w^hole  period  of  connection  with  the  school 
of  any  one  individual.  The  result  has  been  the  unfolding 
of  some  marvelous  experiences  as  to  attendance,  covering  in 
some  cases  many  years  of  uninterrupted  punctuality.  Second, 
to  a  method  of  systematic  giving  for  benevolent  work  which, 
under  almost  any  condition  of  circumstances,  must  result  in  the 
establishing    of    the    habit    of    giving,    and    with    gratifying 

93 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY  PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

results  as  to  amounts  in  the  aggregate.  And  third,  the  sys- 
tematic study  of  the  Westminster  Shorter  Catechism,  in  a  way 
not  to  be  irksome,  and  to  impart  a  knowledge  of  the  doctrines 
of  the  Word  that  may  result,  with  God's  blessing,  in  the 
moulding  of  Christian  graces  and  character. 

THE  HILAND  BRANCH  SABBATH  SCHOOL 

At  a  meeting  of  session,  held  December  5th,  1885,  the 
question  of  opening  up  new  fields  of  labor  being  under  con- 
sideration, it  was  determined,  if  the  way  be  found  clear,  after 
a  personal  survey  of  the  locality  suggested,  to  open  a  mission 
Sabbath  School  in  the  upper  part  of  North  Hiland  avenue; 
and  that  to  promote  this  object,  it  was  concluded  to  enlist  the 
Young  People's  Association,  together  with  members  of  the 
congregation  residing  in  that  part  of  the  city,  in  the  matter; 
and  that  to  these,  co-operating  with  the  pastor,  should  be 
entrusted  the  furtherance  of  the  enterprise. 

The  result  was  that  our  young  people,  and  the  congregation 
in  general,  were  immediately  interested,  and  only  because  of 
their  inability  to  find  on  sight  a  suitable  house  in  which  to 
make  a  beginning  was  there  any  delay.  A  month  later  and  a 
lease  was  obtained  of  the  residence  of  Mr.  Samuel  B.  Mc- 
Elroy,  on  Hiland  avenue,  and  on  January  17th,  1886,  the 
school  began.  The  Session  appointed  Mr.  John  H.  McKelvy 
superintendent,  and  upon  his  nomination,  teachers  to  serve 
until  October  following  were  elected. 

A  lot  was  soon  purchased  at  the  corner  of  St.  Clair  and 
McCully  streets,  and  a  neat  and  suitable  building  was  erected 
thereon,  the  total  cost  being  $5,927,  all  of  which  was  con- 
tributed by  the  congregation  as  needed. 

The  dedicatory  services  were  held  on  Sabbath,  December 
5th,  1886,  and  it  was  subsequently  discovered  that  this  was 
the  anniversary  of  the  day  upon  which,  one  year  previous,  the 
matter  was  first  broached  in  Session. 

Mr.  McKelvy  resigned  the  superintendency  on  April  4th, 
1887,  and  Mr.  Albert  L.  Schultz,  who  still  holds  the  position, 
was  chosen  in  his  stead. 

94 


SERMONS    AND   ADDRESSES 

THE  WOMAN'S  HOME  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY 
was  organized  in  the  year  1872,  and  "renders  substantial  aid 
to  the  work  of  Home  Missions,  by  annually  sending  boxes, 
well  filled  with  clothing  and  many  other  necessaries,  to  the 
families  of  missionaries  whose  slender  salaries  need  supple- 
menting." 

We  regret  that  we  have  been  unsuccessful  in  eiiforts  made 
to  procure  the  names  of  those  who  were  its  first  officers,  or 
those  now  in  official  positions. 

THE  WOMAN'S  FOREIGN  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY 
was  also  formed  in  the  year  1872,  to  be  an  auxiliary  to  the 
"Woman's  Department"  of  that  work  carried  on  in  connection 
with  the  Presbyterian  Board  of  Foreign  Missions.  Its  object 
is  to  secure  greater  interest  on  the  part  of  its  members  in  the 
spread  of  the  Gospel  in  foreign  fields,  and  also  by  systematic 
contributions  to  aid  the  same.  Its  first  officers  were:  Mrs. 
Springer  Harbaugh,  President;  Miss  Rebecca  Stotler,  Treas- 
urer. 

The  present  officers  are:  Mrs.  Kumler,  President;  Mrs. 
Jacob  B.  Negley,  First  Vice  President;  Mrs.  Harry  P.  Pears, 
Second  Vice  President;  Mrs.  B.  McConnell,  Third  Vice 
President;  Mrs.  James  Dickson,  Treasurer;  Miss  Jane  M.  Rea, 
Secretary. 

THE  YOUNG  LADIES'  BRANCH  OF  THE  FOREIGN 
MISIONARY   SOCIETY 

was  organized  January  6th,  1887.  Its  object  is  to  secure  among 
our  younger  women  results  such  as  are  aimed  at  by  the  society 
last  mentioned,  which  is  composed  principally  of  more  elderly 
women.  Its  meetings  are  held  monthly,  at  which  papers  con- 
cerning foreign  mission  work,  prepared  for  the  purpose,  are 
read  and  discussed. 

Its  officers,  from  the  time  of  its  organization  until  the  pres- 
ent, are:  Mrs.  Robert  W.  Patterson,  President;  Mrs.  Laura 
Fulton,  Vice  President;  Miss  Margaret  S.  Lyon,  Secretary; 
Miss  Belle  Wallace,  Treasurer. 

95 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

THE  YOUNG  PEOPLE'S  ASSOCIATION 
was   organized   November    19th,    1884.     Its   object   is   princi- 
pally, to  develop  among  the  younger  people  of  the  congregation 
an  interest  in  Christian  wrork,  and  labors  therein. 

Its  first  officers  w^ere:  James  I.  Buchanan,  President;  C.  H. 
-West,  Secretary,  Young  Ladies'  Branch — Miss  Margaret  S. 
Lyon,  President ;  Miss  Sara  N.  Johnston,  Secretary. 

Its  present  officers  are:  Albert  L.  Schultz,  President;  Rob- 
ert T.   Fullwood,    Secretary.      Young  Ladies'    Branch — Miss 
Jane  M.  Rea,  President;  Miss  Mary  Sterrett,  Secretary. 
BENEVOLENT  WORK 

Since  January  1st,  1873,  the  plan  has  been  followed  of  mak- 
ing weekly  offerings  on  each  Sabbath  morning,  for  carrying 
forward  the  whole  benevolent  work  of  the  church,  instead  of 
periodical  contributions  being  made,  as  had  been  done  previ- 
ously. The  result  has  been  exceedingly  satisfactory,  so  much 
so  that  we  could  only  wish  such  a  plan  were  more  generally 
adopted  in  our  churches.  While  not  up  to  the  full  measure  of 
our  duty, — indeed  far  otherw^ise — the  statistics  of  Presbytery 
show  that  our  church  takes  fore  rank  in  the  benevolent  work 
carried  on. 

USHERS 

The  first  board  of  ushers  was  appointed  by  session  December 
7th,  1870,  and  consisted  of  the  following  persons:  Geo.  Singer, 
Jr.,  Jackson  C.  Porter,  Geo.  W.  Hailman  and  R.  H,  Negley. 
There  has  been  a  long  line  of  worthy  successors,  and  those  at 
present  fulfilling  the  necessary  and  important  duties  of  "Door 
Keepers  of  the  House  of  our  God"  comprise  a  considerable 
number  of  our  young  men,  who  have  also,  in  connection  with 
the  Deacons,  the  charge  of  taking  up  our  weekly  contributions. 

SEXTON 
For  twenty-two  years  past  Mr.  John  Grounds,  who  yet  con- 
tinues in  this  capacity,  has  served  the  congregation  with  a  fidel- 
ity that  cannot  be  too  highly  commended. 

INSUFFICIENCY  OF  THE  THIRD  HOUSE 

The  necessity  for  increased  accommodations  for  the  congre- 
gation was  again  felt,  and  almost  continuously  throughout  the 
entire  period  of  the  ministry  of  Dr.  Gillespie. 

96 


SERMONS    AND    ADDRESSES 

COLONIZING 

Temporary  relief  was  at  times  found  in  the  organizing  of 
new  churches  and  sending  out  colonies  for  this  purpose;  for  it 
was  here  that  four  of  such  enterprises  were  warmed  into  being, 
viz:  The  Shady  Side  (in  1867),  the  Westminster  (in  1869), 
the  Park  Avenue  (in  1881)  and  the  Point  Breeze  (in  1887) 
Presbyterian  Churches. 

Two  of  these,  viz.,  Shady  Side  and  Point  Breeze,  were  the 
results  of  individual  efforts  on  the  part  of  members  of  the 
church  desiring  church  accommodations  in  the  vicinity  of  their 
homes.  Each  received  but  limited  financial  assistance  from  the 
mother  church ;  the  former,  partly  for  the  reason  that  at  the 
period  of  its  formation  efforts  were  being  made  to  wipe  out  a 
debt  that  severely  burdened  the  congregation ;  and  in  part 
because  the  need  of  assistance  was  scarcely  felt ;  while  the  latter 
was  begun  at  a  time  when  two  projects  required  all  the  funds 
that  could  be  obtained  to  carry  them  forward,  viz.,  the  erec- 
tion of  the  present  church  edifice  and  the  establishing  of  the 
Hiland  Branch   School. 

The  two  other  organizations,  however,  were  the  direct  re- 
sults of  congregational  and  of  sessional  action,  in  endeavors  to 
establish  churches  where  the  necessity  for  them  existed  and  to 
afford  relief  to  our  own  overtasked  capacity. 

In  the  case  of  the  Westminster  Church,  a  committee  of  the 
congregation  secured  the  site,  purchased  the  lot  and  took  steps 
for  the  erection  of  a  temporary  building. 

In  the  case  of  the  Park  Avenue  Church,  the  session  of  this 
church,  by  consent  of  Presbytery,  undertook  the  work  of  or- 
ganization, first  in  securing  a  lot  on  lease  with  the  privilege 
of  purchasing  in  a  given  time;  and  second  in  contracting  for 
the  erection  of  the  building  in  which  the  new  congregation 
was  to  worship.  In  both  cases  the  organization  of  Sabbath 
schools  was  begun  and  controlled  by  this  church ;  it  furnished 
superintendents  and  teachers  for  both,  until  the  new  churches 
were  established.  To  both,  members  of  this  congregation  gave 
liberally  of  means  for  the  erection  of  buildings,  and  watched 
with  tender  regard  the  early  steps  of  these  their  children. 

Of  the  three  first  named  churches,  two  continue  to  flourish, 
and  are  worthy  rivals  of  the  parent  church  in  works  for  the 

97 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

extension  of  the  Master's  kingdom.  One,  the  Westminster 
Church  with  fair  beginnings,  at  length  sank  beneath  a  cloud 
and  ceased  to  be. 

DEMAND  FOR  ENLARGEMENT 

But,  notwithstanding  the  numbers  which  thus  went  out  to 
form  other  bodies  within  the  bounds  of  the  territor}'^  we  called 
our  own,  the  railroad  continued  to  empty  new  families  into 
the  lap  of  our  valley,  and  in  such  an  increased  ratio,  ttiat  tor  a 
long  period  it  was  evident  that  these  were  not  properly  cared 
for.  This  was  the  burden  of  talk  at  annual  meetings  as  well 
as  at  special  ones  called  to  consider  so  important  a  matter,  but 
it  was  not  until  within  the  present  brief  pastorate  that  some- 
thing besides  talk  was  resorted  to. 

THE  NEW  STRUCTURE 

The  renewed  determination  of  session,  supplemented  by  the 
energetic  words  and  acts  of  the  pastor,  at  length  culminated  in 
subscriptions  of  money,  by  which  the  present  graceful  structure 
has  arisen.  Its  entire  cost,  including  the  improvement  of  the 
grounds,  has  been,  as  close  as  can  be  estimated,  the  round  sum 
of  $100,000;  exclusive,  however,  of  furniture  and  upholstery, 
results  of  the  labors  of  ladies,  amounting  to  an  addition  of 
about  $4,000. 

SUPERINTENDENT  OF  CHURCH  ERECTION 

Before  beginning  the  erection  of  the  present  church  edifice, 
the  congregation  placed  the  matter  of  deciding  upon  plans  in 
the  hands  of  a  joint  committee,  consisting  of  the  trustees,  a 
building  committee  and  a  finance  committee ;  with  instructions, 
that  after  contracts  had  been  entered  into  by  the  trustees,  the 
conduct  of  their  execution  should  be  in  the  custody  of  the 
building  committee;  and  that  the  finance  committee,  upon  the 
receipt  of  warrants  drawn  and  approved  by  the  former  commit- 
tee, should  countersign  the  same  and  issue  vouchers  for  pay- 
ments. The  committees  appointed  have  thus  far  performed  the 
labors  assigned  them,  and  their  work  will  shortly  terminate. 
Their  names  are  here  given:  Building  Committee — Wm.  N. 
Frew,  Chairman;  Thos.  S.  Bigelow,  Secretary;  James  B. 
Lj^on,  Geo.  Singer,  Jr.,  J.  H.  McKelvy.  Finance  Committee: 
Wm.  G.  Johnston,  Chairman;  John  C.  Alrich,  Secretary; 
Jacob  B.  Negley,  Chas.  B.  McLean,*  E.  M.  Bigelow.* 

*Chosen   in   place  of  Hon.   Thos.  Mellon  and  B.  H.  Peabody. 
98 


SERMONS    AND    ADDRESSES 

The  finance  committee  chose  as  treasurer  of  the  building 
fund  Mr.  Andrew  W.  Mellon,  and  as  a  place  of  temporary 
deposit  the  City  Deposit  Bank. 

REFLECTIONS 

As  you  look  about  you,  my  hearers,  first  upon  the  outer 
gray  walls,  and  the  beautiful  cloisters,  reminding  you  of 
mediaeval  architecture  and  of  a  time  when  men  in  holy  orders 
planned  and  builded  what  are  accounted  high  expressions  of 
religious  thought  and  feeling;  or  when  your  eyes  rest  upon 
these  inner  walls,  where  mellowed  colors  blend  in  quiet  har- 
mony; and  upon  the  massive  arches  overhead,  where  is  that 
combination,  which  to  the  psalmist  suggested  the  thought, 

"Strength  and  beauty  are  in  His  sanctuary," 

let  m.e  remind  you,  that  all  these  are  evidences,  not  alone  of 
an  expenditure  of  money,  but  on  the  part  of  those  having  the 
immediate  control  of  the  erection,  much  of  valuable  time  and 
constant,  prolonged  thought. 

THE  SPIRITUAL  TEMPLE 

Wherefore,  in  conclusion,  has  this  structure  arisen?  If  but 
to  meet  the  requirements  of  cultivated  tastes,  or  to  adorn  one 
of  the  many  avenues  fast  becoming  studded  with  luxurious 
suburban  homes,  then  might  these  very  stones  in  agony  cry  out, 
"For  what  purpose  this  waste?"  But,  day  by  day,  silently, 
grandly,  a  temple  is  rising,  far  excelling  any  conception  of 
Hiram  or  of  Solomon ;  and  upon  which  at  length  the  Master 
builder,  bringing  forth  the  capstone  thereof,  shall  place  it, 
amid  shoutings,  crying,  Grace,  grace  unto  it  1  These  that  we 
erect  are  but  as  so  many  stones  lifted  into  place,  and  forming 
the  walls  great  and  high,  of  that  celestial,  spiritual  temple, 
whose  chief  adornment  is  the  glory  of  God ;  "Whose  light  is 
like  unto  stones  most  precious,  even  like  jasper  stone,  clear  as 
crystal."  "It  hath  no  need  of  the  sun,  neither  of  the  moon, 
to  shine  in  it ;  for  the  glory  of  God  doth  lighten  it,  and  the 
Lamb  is  the  light  thereof." 

"For  the  I,amb  is  all  the  glory  of  Immanuel's  land." 
99 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

DEDICATION  PIYMN 

By  William  G.  Johnston 

Tune — Mear. 

"The  Lord  our  God  be  ivii/i  us  as  He  ivas  laith  our  Fathers" 
Solomon's  prayer  at  the  dedication  of  the  temple. 

Lord  God  of  hosts!  the  heavens  above, 

Nor  earth  can  Thee  contain; 
Yet  Thou,  O  Lord,  with  wondrous  love, 

To  dwell  with  man  dost  deign. 

E'en  on  this  consecrated  ground 

Our  fathers  walked  with  Thee; 
May  we  within  their  steps  be  found, — 

Their  faith  ours  ever  be. 

Of  all  Thy  promises,  no  word 

Of  Thine  did  ever  fail; — 
As  thou  their  cry  didst  hear,  O  Lord, 

So  may  our  prayers  prevail. 

Thine  eyes  be  toward  this  house  of  prayer; 

By  day,  by  night  draw  near; 
O'ershadowed  by  Thy  watchful  care, 

Our  hearts  shall  know  no  fear. 

That  joy  and  peace  may  here  abound, — 

Our  fervent  cry  we  raise ; 
Salvation  through  these  courts  resound, 

These  gates  be  filled  with  praise! 

May  hallelujahs  to  Thy  name 

In  loftiest  strains  ascend; 
While  songs  which  shall  Thy  love  proclaim, 

With  those  of  angels  blend! 


100 


SERMONS    AND   ADDRESSES 

MORNING  SERVICE 
Commemorative  of  the  Sixtieth  Anniversary. 

Prelude — Andante Beethoven 

DOXOLOGY. 

INVOCATION. 

Hymn — Tune,  Rosehill. 

"The  groves  were  God's  first  temples." — Bryant. 

The  perfect  world,  by  Adam  trod, 
Was     the     first     temple — built     by 

God; 
His  fiat  laid  the  corner  stone. 
And  heaved  its  pillars,  one  by  one. 

He  hung  its  starry  roof  on  high — 

The   broad,   illimitable   sky; 

He  spread  its  pavement,  green  and 

bright. 
And     curtained    it    with    morning 

light. 

The  mountains  in  their  places  stood. 
The    sea — the    sky — and    "all    was 

good ;" 
And    when    its    first    pure    praises 

rang. 
The  "morning  stars  together  sang." 

Lord,  'tis  not  ours  to  make  the  sea, 
And    earth,    and    sky,    a    house    for 

Thee; 
But     in     Thy     sight     our    oflFering 

stands — 
An    humbler-  temple,    "made    with 

hands." 

—N.  P.  Willis. 

Reading  of  Scripture     .     Rev.  H.  T,  McClelland,  D.  D. 
Quartette — "The  Lord  is  in  His  holy  temple"     .      .     Lob 

Prayer Dr.  McClelland 

Quartette — "O  come,  let  us  sing  unto  the  Lord"   .  Wilson 

Offertory — Sweet  and  Low^ Barnby 

Sermon  (Text  2d  Cor.  v.  18)    .   Rev.  James  D.  Moffat,  D.D. 

lOI 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH 

Subject:  "The  Ministry  of  Reconciliation."  Position  maintained: 
That  the  most  important  event  of  past  history  was  that  by  which  God 
eflFected  reconciliation,  and  the  most  important  work  carried  on  today 
is  the  work  of  making  known  to  the  world  what  God  has  done  to 
reconcile  sinners  to  Himself.  For  this  work  me-i  are  ordained,  and 
churches  are  erected.  Attention,  therefore  was  fi:ted  upon  the  central 
fact  of  Christianity.  The  need  of  reconciliation,  and  the  way  God 
had  prepared  for  pardon  and  perfection  of  sinners,  was  then  explained 
and  illustrated.  In  conclusion,  the  position  was  taken  that  a  church 
building  is  not  to  be  considered  as  primarily  a  place  of  worship. 
Worship  has  its  place,  but  the  primary  object  is  to  make  known  what 
God  has  done  for  mar's  salvation,  and  to  work  to  remove  the  distrust 
of  God,  which  naturally  arises  in  the  minds  of  conscious  sinners.  The 
ministry  of  reconciliation  is  the  primary  work  of  the  church  in  all  its 
forms  of  labor  and  self-sacrifice. 

DEDICATION 

The  Elders  standing  in  front  of  the  pulpit;  the  Deacons  on 
their  right,  the  Trustees  on  their  left,  and  the  Congregation 
standing  in  their  pews;  the  Pastor,  Rev.  J.  P.  E.  Kumler, 
D.  D.,  proposed  the  questions  as  contained  in  the  Presbyterian 
Manual,  respecting  the  dedication  of  a  house  of  worship;  and 
to  which  all  gave  assent  by  elevating  their  right  hands.  This 
service  was  followed  by : 

Dedicatory  Prayer Led  by  the  Pastor 

The  Congregation  then  united  in  singing 
The  Dedication  Hymn      .      .      Written  for  the  occasion 

Benediction.  Silent  Prayer. 

Postlude — Priests  March  (Eli)        .        .        .        .         Costa 

Quartette  Composed  of 
Mrs.  Anna  Lucas-Tener,  Soprano.    Dr.   W.   T.  English,  Tenor. 
Mrs.  Jennie  Wooster-Nisbet,  Alto.    Mr.  W.  F.  Bfarl,  Bass. 

Simeon  Bissell,  Organist 

AFTERNOON  SERVICE 
Organ  Prelude 

Quartette,  "I.o,  my  Shepherd  is  Divine," Concone 

Reading  of  Scripture — Rev.  J.  M.  Richmond. 

102 


SERMONS   AND  ADDRESSES 

Hymn  569 — "Oh,  where  are  kings  and  empires  now." 
Announced  by  Rev.  G.  W.  Chalfant. 
Prayer — Rev.  Richard  Lea,  D.  D. 
Hymn  435 — "Our  God,  our  help  in  ages  past." 
Announced  by  Rev.  Wm.  P.  Shrom,  D.  D. 
Historical  Sketch — Wm.  G.  Johnston,  Esq. 
Address — Rev.  E.  P.  Cowan,  D.  D. 
Address — Rev.  Geo.  T.  Purves,  D.  D. 
Reminiscences — Rev.  J.  G.  Brown,  D.  D. 
Prayer— Rev.  W.  J.  Holland,  Ph.  D. 
Solo — "Flee  as  a  Bird." 

BENEDICTION. 

Rev.  Samuel  H.  Moore. 

Postlude — "Festival    March"         ....     Mendelssohn 

Miss  Belle  Tomer,  Soprano.  Mrs.  Jennie  Wooster-Nisbet,  Alto. 

Mr.  Jas.   W.   German,   Tenor.       Mr.  W.  F.  Bvarl,  Bass. 

Mr.  Simeon  Bissell,  Organist. 

EVENING  SERVICE 

IN  regular  form. 

Sermon — Rev.  James  D.  Moffat,  D.  D. 

Text:    Acts,  xxiv,  25-27. 

Subject,    "Conscience" — Paul  and  Felix  Contrasted. 


103 


THE   REV.  J.    P.   E.   KUMLER,   D.D.,   LL.D. 
Fourth  Pastor. 


HISTORICAL  SERMON 

Delivered  October  9th,  1894,  on  the  Occasion  of  the 
Tenth  Anniversary  of  His  Pastorate 

By  the  Rev.  J.  P.  E.  Kumler,  D.D.,  LL.D. 

"Walk  about  Z'lon,  and  go  round  about  her ;  tell  the  towers 
thereof.  Mark  ye  well  her  buhuarks,  consider  her  palaces;  that 
ye  may  tell  it  to  the  generation  following." — Psalm  48:12,  13. 

I  HIS  is  a  call  to  consider  the  history  of  the  church 
|and  to  publish  it  to  the  generations  following. 
"Mark  ye  well  her  bulwarks,"  the  decrees,  the 
'covenant,  the  oath,  the  wisdom,  love  and  power  of 
God  that  are  round  about  her  for  buttress  and  rampart.  Born 
at  the  gates  of  a  blasted'  paradise,  she  has  come  down  the  ages 
through  the  patriarchs,  and  priests,  and  psalmists,  and  prophets, 
and  apostles,  and  reformers,  changing  only  as  the  morning 
changes  into  the  full  noonday,  she  is  the  only  thing  on  earth 
that  flourishes  with  the  vigor  of  immortal  youth.  Why?  Be- 
cause she  is  allied  with  God,  who  is  ever  pouring  His  own 
perennial  life  into  her.  Church  history  is  a  narrative  of  human 
activity  inspired  and  directed  by  the  Divine  Spirit.  The  church 
is  a  divine  institution,  springing  unlike  other  institutions  from 
political  necessity,  or  moral  instinct,  or  civil  enactment,  but 
directly  and  supernaturally  from  God.  The  truth  that  con- 
stitutes her  intellectual  basis  is  given  by  supernatural  inspira- 
tion. The  experience  issuing  from  this  truth  is  likewise  of 
the  supernatural  operation  of  God.  And  when  men  had  been 
brought  into  saving  relation  with  God  they  were  not  even 
then  left  to  themselves  to  come  together  into  an  organized 
body,  the  church,  or  not  as  they  might  choose,  but  under  divine 
direction  those  who  were  reconciled  to  Him  were  required 
publicly  to  confess  His  name  and  to  acknowledge  Him  as  their 
Lord  and  His  wish  as  their  law,  and  to  this  end,  under  the 
Christian  dispensation,  He  inaugurated  two  rites.  Baptism 
and  the  Lord's  Supper,  which  for  all  time  should  separate  His 
people  from  the  world  and  bind  them  together  in  a  compact  and 
visible  body,  who  were  commanded  to  go  into  all  the  world 

105 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

and  make  disciples  of  all  nations.  And  yet,  though  the  church 
is  a  divine  institution,  through  the  malignant  action  of  sin  it  is 
often  repressed  and  perverted,  but  where  sin  abounds  'grace 
does  much  more  abound,  and  the  church  continues  despite  all 
human  antagonisms.  Though  depressed  it  has  never  been  de- 
stroyed. In  telling  her  history  to  the  generations  following 
there  is  no  place  for  human  boasting,  since  all  the  evil  comes 
from  us,  and  all  the  true  spiritual  life  and  progress  from  God ; 
not  unto  us  but  unto  God  be  all  the  praise  of  her  blessed 
achievements. 

By  request  of  the  session  of  this  church  your  attention  is 
called  to  a  brief  sketch  of  its  history  during  its  present  pas- 
torate of  ten  years  now  past,  and  that  the  generations  follow- 
ing may  have  a  continuous  history  of  the  East  Liberty  Presby- 
terian Church  from  its  organization,  I  am  requested  also  to 
take  up  the  thread  where  the  pastor,  the  Rev.  John  Gillespie, 
D.  D.,  dropped  it  in  his  published  historical  sermon,  delivered 
September  28,  1878,  on  the  occasion  of  the  fiftieth  anniversary 
of  this  church.  Dr.  Gillespie  continued  to  be  the  vigilant  and 
faithful  pastor  of  this  flock  of  his  first  love  for  over  three  years 
longer.  The  session  at  that  time  consisted  of  John  Barr, 
William  N.  Burchfield,  Robert  Dickey,  James  B.  Lyon,  Lem- 
uel Spahr,  William  G.  Johnston,  Francis  B.  McConnell  and 
Thomas  C.  Lazear.  The  congregation,  spreading  over  a  large 
territory,  necessitated  a  greater  oversight  than  they  could  give, 
and  they  were  remforced  by  the  addition  of  four  new  elders: 
William  C.  Stewart,  Albert  A.  Gettj^s,  Thomas  D.  Davis, 
M.  D.,  and  Henry  W.  Fulton,  M.  D.  In  1880  the  Park 
Avenue  Mission  was  started  in  Armory  Hall  on  Frankstown 
avenue,  this  church  assvmiing  the  expense  and  control  of  the 
mission.  The  work  so  prospered  that  the  way  soon  opened  for 
the  organization  of  the  now  flourishing  Park  Avenue  Presby- 
terian Church.  May  29th,  1880,  William  N.  Burchfield  fell 
asleep  in  Jesus,  after  having  served  this  church  with  great 
acceptance  as  Precentor,  Trustee,  Sabbath  School  Teacher  and 
Superintendent,  and  for  forty  years  as  ruling  elder. 

With  the  opening  of  the  year  1882  the  church  was  greatly 
surprised  by  Dr.  Gillespie  tendering  his  resignation  that  he 
might  accept  a  call  to  the  Westminster  Presbyterian  Church 

io6 


SERMONS    AND    ADDRESSES 

of  Elizabeth,  N,  J.,  where  he  intimated  the  pastoral  work 
would  be  less  exacting,  and  where  he  hoped  his  waning  strength 
would  be  recruited.  The  matter  was  duly  laid  before  the 
congregation,  which  reluctantly  acceded  to  his  request,  adopting 
at  the  same  time  resolutions  testifying  to  the  ability  and  fidelity 
with  which  he  had  served  the  church  as  co-pastor  for  five  years, 
and  pastor  solus  for  twelve  years,  and  also  to  their  great  sorrow 
at  the  separation. 

After  the  resignation  was  effected  a  committee  was  duly 
appointed  to  make  provision  for  the  temporary  supply  of  the 
pulpit,  \\'ho  in  the  discharge  of  their  duty  secured  the  valuable 
services  of  Prof.  Samuel  H.  Kellogg,  D.  D.,  of  the  Western 
Theological  Seminary,  who  not  only  supplied  the  pulpit  with 
his  accustomed  ability,  but  likewise  conducted  the  prayer  meet- 
ings, and  funerals,  and  visited  the  sick.  By  this  arrangement 
they  aimed  to  avoid  having  their  pulpit  supplied  by  candidates. 

There  now  came  a  new  experience  to  the  church.  For  the 
first  time  in  its  history  it  was  without  a  pastor.  A  committee 
was  appointed  by  the  congregation  to  select  and  recommend 
some  one  for  the  vacant  pastorate.  In  October,  1882,  the 
committee  reported  to  the  congregation  recommending  the  Rev. 
Benjamin  L.  Agnew,  D.  D.,  of  Philadelphia,  as  eminently 
fitted  to  fill  the  vacancy.  He  was  unanimously  elected  and 
accepted  the  call,  and  on  December  17th,  1882,  he  was  duly 
installed  as  pastor  of  this  church,  and  entered  upon  his  work 
under  the  most  favorable  auspices.  February  20th,  1883, 
death  sundered  the  one  remaining  link  that  bound  the  church 
to  the  little  band  of  disciples  who  on  September  28th,  1828, 
organized  it,  by  the  demise  of  John  Barr,  who  had  served  the 
church  as  ruling  elder  for  forty-six  years.  September  22d, 
1883,  Lemuel  Spahr  joined  the  church  triumphant,  having 
been  a  communcant  for  forty  years,  and  ruling  elder  for 
thirteen  years  in  this  church,  leaving  behind  him  the  fragrant 
memory  of  a  devoted  Christian  life. 

George  G.  Negley  was  called  away  March  26,  1884,  aged 
75  years.  He  united  with  the  church  in  1830,  was  elected  a 
d'^acon  in  1870,  and  served  faithfully  in  this  office  to  the  end  of 
h's  life.  The  Board  of  Deacons  has  not  been  increased  by  an 
election  nor  diminished  by  any  deaths  since  that  time, 

107 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

April  6th,  1884,  Dr.  Agnew  requested  the  congregation  to 
unite  with  him  in  seeking  a  dissolution  of  the  pastoral  relation 
existing  between  them,  and  on  April  10th  the  assembled  con- 
gregation, in  view  of  the  reasons  which  he  gave,  viz. :  his  suffer- 
ing health  occasioned  by  the  smoky  atmosphere  of  the  city,  and 
a  call  to  the  Bethlehem  Church  of  Philadelphia,  where  the 
climate  was  more  suited  to  his  health,  conceded  to  his  earnest 
request,  and  adopted  resolutions  expressing  their  feelings  of 
kindness  and  attachment  to  him,  and  their  prayer  that  God's 
blessing  might  rest  upon  him  in  the  future.  For  the  second 
time  the  flock  was  shepherdless.  And  again  Dr.  Kellogg's 
esteemed  services  were  called  into  requisition  as  before — mean- 
while the  session  was  delegated  by  the  congregation  to  select 
and  recommend  a  suitable  person  for  the  vacancy.  By  letters 
of  inquiry  and  other  methods  of  getting  the  knowledge  desired, 
they  were  led  to  recommend  the  pastor  of  the  Third  Presby- 
terian Church  of  Cincinnati  as  one  qualified  for  the  field.  The 
congregation  being  called  to  act  did  not  do  so  with  entire 
unanimity — the  call  thus  extended  was  not  entertained  by  the 
recipient.  Afterwards,  September  3,  1884,  a  second  call  was 
extended  by  a  unanimous  vote  of  the  congregation,  accompa- 
nied with  an  explanation  that  the  failure  of  entire  unanimity 
in  the  first  call  was  owing  to  a  lack  of  the  fuller  and  more 
definite  knowledge  which  they  then  claimed  to  have,  and  also 
with  the  special  assurance  that  a  most  hearty  and  universal 
welcome  awaited  the  pastor-elect.  Though  not  without  mis- 
givings this  call  was  accepted  to  a  pastorate  whose  ten  years 
I  am  now  briefly  to  review. 

I  began  my  ministry  here  the  third  Sabbath  of  September, 
1884,  and  soon  found  mj^self  so  enlisted  in  the  work,  so  grati- 
fied with  the  bearing  and  friendly  support  of  the  session,  and 
the  cordial  welcome  given  me  by  all,  so  pleased  with  the  field, 
which,  as  I  became  better  acquainted  with  it,  appeared  more 
and  more  promising,  that  my  misgivings  gave  way,  and  the 
pain  of  separation  from  the  beloved  and  united  flock  I  had  left 
behind  began  to  give  place  to  the  pleasure  of  the  new  pastorate, 
into  which  I  was  duly  installed  by  the  Presbytery  of  Pitts- 
burgh, October  9th,  1884.  1  found  533  names  on  the  church 
roll.     My  first  effort  was  to  visit  them  in  their  homes,  which, 

io8 


'11  !K    RKV. 


BENJAMIN    L.    AG.VEW, 
Thirfl  Pastor. 


D.D.,    LI..D. 


SERMONS    AND    ADDRESSES 

owing  to  the  scattered  condition  of  the  congregation,  the  few 
houses  that  were  numbered,  and  uncertainty  as  to  the  names 
of  many  of  the  streets  at  that  time,  and  the  vain  effort  to  find 
not  a  few  who  had  removed  from  our  bounds,  made  the  task 
a  difficult  and  tedious  one,  but  one  that  was  amply  rewarded 
by  the  hearty  welcome  universally  accorded  me.  My  next 
object  was  to  cast  about  and  see  how  best  we  might  enlist  and 
utilize  the  church  in  Christian  work.  We  understood  quite 
well  that  the  first  and  foremost  aim  of  a  minister  was  to 
preach  the  Gospel.  Preparation  for  the  pulpit  is  the  most 
important  part  of  his  work;  all  else  must  be  secondary  to  this, 
for  this  is  the  chief  instrumentality  by  which  the  church  is 
to  answer  its  end.  But  that  the  principles  enforced  in  the 
pulpit  may  be  made  effective,  they  must  be  translated  into  active 
life.  The  minister  must  aim  to  bring  all  the  resources  of  the 
church  into  active  operation.  He  must  seek  to  excite  the  dili- 
gence, direct  the  activities,  and  mutliply  the  agencies  of  the 
church.  To  this  end  the  pulpit  administrations  were  aimed. 
We  divided  the  church  into  as  many  sections  as  we  had  elders, 
assigning  one  to  each.  The  willing  workers  among  the  women, 
and  a  number  of  the  young  people  also,  wer*"  called  into  requi- 
sition as  pastoral  aids. 

SABBATH    SCHOOLS. 

But  it  was  found  here,  as  elsewhere,  that  as  a  means  of 
bringing  out  the  latent  and  diversified  talent  of  a  congregation 
there  is  nothing  equal  to  a  Sabbath  school.  The  utmost  care 
has  alu'aj's  been  taken  by  the  session  of  this  church  in  the 
election  of  superintendents  and  officers,  and  in  the  appointment 
of  teachers.  No  better  evidence  of  their  wisdom  in  adminis- 
tering this  charge  can  be  asked  than  has  always  been  found 
in  the  conduct  and  efficiency  of  our  Sabbath  school.  If  there 
have  been  ingatherings  into  the  church  and  into  the  school 
itself ;  if  there  has  been  real  study  of  the  Scriptures,  training 
in  systematic  giving,  and  catechetical  instruction,  it  is  largely 
due  to  this  agency.  The  school  received  a  great  impetus  on 
coming  into  the  improved  accommodations  which  this  new 
edifice  afforded,  concerning  the  erection  of  which  I  will  speak 
presently.    We  have  now  Samuel  E.  Gill,  superintendent.    The 

109 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

Infant  Department  on  the  second  floor  is  in  charge  of  Mrs. 
Kumler,  the  Intermediate  Department,  the  Chinese  class 
and  James  I.  Buchanan's  class,  with  its  two  hundred  adult 
members,  on  the  first  floor,  and  the  Senior  Department  in 
the  basement  in  charge  of  W.  P.  Potter.  There  has  also  re- 
cently been  organized  a  home  department  which  has  its  super- 
intendent, classes  and  visitors  studying  the  same  lesson  with 
the  school,  and  which  it  is  hoped  will  soon  include  about  all 
the  members  of  the  congregation,  who  find  it  impracticable  to 
attend  the  school  in  person. 

PRAYER  MEETINGS 

The  midweek  prayer  meeting  is  always  a  prime  factor  in  a 
true  spiritual  church.  While  prayer  meeting  attendance  is 
not  synonymous  with  vital  piety,  yet  neither  is  a  thermometer 
synonymous  with  heat,  but  it  is  a  good  indication  of  heat  just 
as  prayer  meeting  attendance  is  an  indication  of  the  spiritual 
temperature  in  a  church.  The  endeavor  has  been  to  make  this 
service  instructive,  devotional,  informal  and  social.  Those  who 
have  attended  with  regvdarity  attest  that  its  lessons,  exhorta- 
tions, songs  and  prayers,  with  its  social  benefits,  have  been 
most  helpful,  though  it  is  not  all  that  we  could  wish  or  that 
we  hope  it  yet  will  be.  In  this  connection  I  must  not  omit 
mention  of  a  faithful  band  who  have  continued  to  hold  cottage 
prayer  meetings  in  different  parts  of  the  community,  and  have 
thus  brought  the  Gospel  to  the  homes  and  hearts  of  many  not 
otherwise  accessible.  There  is  also  an  Italian  mission  begun 
and  conducted  by  the  Misses  Buchanan,  assisted  by  our  young 
people,  which  has  ripened  into  a  church. 

YOUNG    PEOPLE 

The  church  that  expects  a  future  must  seek  to  develop  the 
Christian  character  and  activity  of  its  young  people.  We  shall 
hear  of  the  Young  People's  Association  of  the  East  Liberty 
Presbyterian  Church  this  evening  at  their  tenth  anniversary. 
I  need  not  dwell  on  this  important  agency  of  the  church, 
beyond  saying  that  it  includes  in  its  aim  all  that  is  deemed  of 
special  value  in  the  Christian  Endeavor  societies  of  the  present 
day.  It  is  reported  as  the  largest  young  people's  society  in  con- 
nection with  any  church  in  this  region.     Besides  their  weekly 

no 


SERMONS   AND   ADDRESSES 

devotional  services  and  cottage  prayer  meetings,  they  have 
frequent  business  and  social  meetings  and  entertainments.  They 
look  after  young  people  coming  into  the  congregation  and  into 
the  church.  They  regularly  conduct  religious  services  at  the 
hospital  and  Home  for  Aged  Women ;  are  sustaining  scholars 
in  missionary  schools,  and  have  undertaken  to  support  a  foreign 
missionary. 

women's  meetings 
The  agency  that  has  probably  done  more  than  any  other  to 
bring  God's  blessing  upon  this  church  is  the  women's  meeting. 
They  have  in  charge  all  the  general  church  socials.  They  hold 
devotional  meetings  every  Friday  afternoon  at  3  o'clock.  The 
second  and  the  fourth  Fridays  of  every  month  are  of  a  general 
character.  The  first  Friday  is  devoted  to  home  missions;  the 
third  to  foreign  missions,  and  the  fifth,  when  it  occurs,  to  tem- 
perance. Succeeding  the  last  week  of  prayer  they  continued 
their  meetings  for  eight  weeks,  every  day  of  the  week,  except 
Saturday  and  Sabbath.  And  for  these  forty  meetings  not  once 
was  the  same  lady  needed  to  lead  the  meeting  the  second  time. 
They  have  not  only  been  students  of  all  kinds  of  missionary 
literature;  they  have  put  their  faith  in  practice  and  cultivated 
the  grace  of  giving.  They  gave  (with  the  thirteen  foreign 
missionary  bands  organized  and  taught  by  them)  last  year, 
notwithstanding  the  great  stringency  of  the  times,  fourteen 
hundred  and  ninety  dollars  and  sixty  cents  in  cash  to  our  Board 
of  Foreign  Missions.  They  also  gave  last  year  to  the  Board 
of  Home  Missions  (with  the  seven  home  mission  bands  organ- 
ized by  them)  in  cash  $1,114.17,  and  boxes  to  the  freedmen 
and  to  scantily  supported  Home  Missionaries,  valued  at  eight 
hundred  and  twenty-three  dollars,  a  total  amounting  to  about 
two  thousand  dollars  to  home  missions.  They  have  also 
packed  annually  most  liberal  boxes  for  our  city  hospitals. 

THE  NEW  CHURCH 
With  all  these  activities  which  the  pulpit  has  sought  to 
stimulate  and  in  every  way  encourage,  it  became  evident  that 
if  the  work  was  to  go  on,  and  this  mother  of  churches  in  this 
East  End  was  to  maintain  its  position  and  not  be  preceded  by 
other  churches  who  should  prove  themselves  more  worthy  of 

III 


I 

CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

the  field,  she  must  arise  and  build  a  more  commodious  church 
edifice.  Members  were  being  added  to  the  church  both  by 
letter  and  by  examination  at  every  communion  at  the  rate  of 
about  one  hundred  annually.  With  all  the  pews  taken,  with 
over  twentj^-five  families  knocking  at  our  doors  for  admission, 
with  the  tide  of  population  beginning  to  set  in,  that  it  was 
easy  to  see  would  soon  fill  this  valley,  and  who  would  of  neces- 
sity erect  church  edifices  far  superior  to  the  one  we  had,  it  was 
clear  that  if  we  did  not  wish  to  be  sent  back  disgraced  to  the 
rear  we  must  do  something  besides  talk.  The  time  for  talking 
was  past.  The  time  for  action  had  come.  A  crisis  had  been 
reached  in  the  history  of  the  East  Liberty  Presbyterian  Church, 
and  the  question  was  whether  we  had  the  pluck  to  stand  up 
and  meet  it.  It  was  embarrassing  for  a  pastor  so  new  in  the 
field  to  talk  about  tearing  down  a  church  of  the  usual  size  with 
the  usual  accommodations  for  church  services,  and  which  was 
hallowed  by  the  experiences  enjoyed  in  it,  and  for  the  erection 
of  which  many  had  made  such  sacrifices ;  but  a  stern  sense  of 
duty  demanded  it.  For  some  time  the  issue  was  doubtful.  A 
committee  was  appointed  to  see  if  the  old  church  could  not  be 
sufficiently  enlarged  and  improved  in  its  appointments,  but  this 
was  pronounced  impractical.  Appeals  were  then  made  from 
the  pulpit,  seconded  by  the  earnest  words  and  acts  of  those 
favoring  the  enterprise.  Efforts  were  made  to  see  how  much 
money  could  be  secured  by  subscriptions;  the  amount  was  dis- 
couraging. After  further  appeals  made  as  frequent  and  pun- 
gent as  the  patience  of  the  congregation  would  tolerate,  the 
subscription  was  further  increased,  but  still  not  enough  to  war- 
rant the  undertaking.  Just  then  the  Young  People's  Associa- 
tion, who  had  been  canvassing  for  a  mission  school,  reported 
that  they  had  gathered  a  goodly  number  and  were  in  need  of 
a  chapel.  This  was  taken  up  with  vigor.  A  lot  was  purchased 
and  a  neat  chapel  was  erected  on  it  at  a  cost  of  about  six  thou- 
sand dollars,  which  the  congregation  cheerfully  met  and  as- 
sumed all  the  expense  of  sustaining  the  mission,  which  has  since 
ripened  into  the  promising  Highland  Presbyterian  Church, 
adding  another  to  the  numerous  offsprings  of  this  mother 
church.  Following  this  the  necessity  of  establishing  a  church  in 
the  region  of  Point  Breeze,  where  many  of  our  valued  members 

112 


SERMONS    AND    ADDRESSES 

resided,  made  it  the  proper  thing  for  many  of  them  to  with- 
draw from  us  to  unite  with  that  needed  enterprise.  In  this 
connection  we  may  say  that  this  church  has  contributed  largely 
to  the  membership  of  many  other  Presbyterian  churches  that 
have  grown  up  to  the  number  of  fifteen  or  sixteen,  that  now 
occupy  the  field  originally  included  in  the  parish  of  this  church. 
But  all  this  afforded  no  relief  to  our  overtaxed  capacity.  They 
came  in  faster  than  they  went  out,  and  the  necessity  was  upon 
us  more  urgent  than  ever  to  build.  Renewed  efforts  were 
made  to  enlarge  the  subscription  and  with  greater  success.  The 
young  people  and  others  took  hold  in  dead  earnest.  No  large 
subscriptions  were  made,  except  it  be  one  of  five  thousand  dol- 
lars by  a  lady  who  had  but  recently  joined  us,  but  all  sub- 
scribed ;  some  as  we  thought  beyond  their  ability.  I  do  not 
believe  that  another  church  in  the  land,  though  not  costing 
more  than  half  as  much,  but  has  received  some  larger  subscrip- 
tion than  any  we  received.  But  this  was  fortunate  in  the  end, 
for  the  multitude  of  givers  marks  it  as  the  people's  church. 
It  was  better  that  all  should  have  a  part  than  that  a  few  should 
do  all.  Enough  money  being  in  sight  at  last  justified  proceed- 
ing with  the  work.  Among  the  numerous  committees  appointed 
we  mention  but  two:  Building  Committee — William  N. 
Frew,  Chairman ;  Thomas  S.  Bigelow,  Secretary ;  James  B. 
Lyon,  Geo.  Singer,  Jr.,  and  John  H.  McKelvy.  Finance  Com- 
mittee— AVm.  G.  Johnston,  Chairman ;  John  C.  Alrich,  Secre- 
tary ;  Jacob  B.  Negley,  Charles  B.  McLean,  E.  M.  Bigelow, 
with  Andrew  W.  Mellon,  treasurer.  And  on  May  8,  1887, 
we  tenderly  bade  adieu  to  the  sanctuary  that  had  served  its 
purposes  so  well,  during  its  time,  and  that  was  associated  with 
so  many  precious  memories.  And  on  the  Sabbath  following 
we  sat  in  the  same  pews,  they  having  been  transferred  during 
the  week,  and  set  in  order  in  the  rink  on  Frankstown  avenue, 
where  we  continued  to  worship  and  prosper  till  the  first  Sab- 
bath of  September,  1888,  when  we  occupied  with  glad  hearts 
this  graceful  structure  for  the  first  time.  And  on  September 
30th,  the  sixtieth  anniversary  of  the  organization  of  the  church, 
the  elders  standing  in  front  of  the  pulpit,  the  deacons  to  their 
right,  the  trustees  to  their  left,  and  the  congregation  standing 
in  their  pews,  all  with  uplifted  hands  responded  to  questions 

"3 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

appropriate  to  the  occasion,  when  the  pastor  led  in  prayer 
dedicating  the  house  to  the  worship  of  God.  The  house,  in- 
cluding the  organ,  heating,  lighting  with  all  its  furnishings  and 
surroundings  has  cost  about  $115,000.  All  of  which  has  been 
paid,  except  about  $2,000,  which  I  am  told  is  provided  for. 
I  should  also  say  that  previous  to  this  pastorate  a  commodious 
and  delightful  parsonage  was  purchased,  which  has  added 
greatly  to  the  comfort  of  the  pastor  and  his  family.  Once  in 
possession  of  this  sanctuary  so  marked  by  its  strength,  and 
beauty,  and  magnitude,  all  were  quickened  in  the  endeavor  to 
fully  occupy  our  enlarged  possibilities  in  the  Master's  service. 
All  the  organizations  of  the  church  took  on  new  life.  The 
Sabbath  morning  collections  increased,  people  soon  saw  the 
necessity  of  coming  to  the  help  of  the  pastor  by  the  election  of 
four  new  elders,  viz.:  Samuel  E.  Gill,  James  Boyle,  William 
A.  Edeburn  and  Charles  H.  Riggs,  who  with  the  former 
elders  have  endeavored  constantly  to  uphold  the  hands  of  the 
pastor  and  to  promote  the  peace,  purity  and  prosperity  of  the 
church. 

The  only  death  that  has  occurred  in  the  session  during  the 
past  decade  was  that  of  Robert  Dickey,  who  passed  from  us 
June  1st,  1893,  aged  83  j^ears,  having  served  this  church  with 
great  acceptance  as  ruling  elder  for  28  years.  His  distinguished 
appearance,  his  affable  disposition,  his  firm  conviction  of  re- 
ligious duty,  and  his  faithful  attendance  upon  all  the  church 
services,  and  the  active  part  he  took  in  them,  justly  endeared 
him  to  all.  The  present  board  of  deacons  are:  John  Gilchrist, 
Joseph  Torrens,  John  Lusk  and  Lewis  A.  Denison.  The 
present  board  of  trustees  are :  Henry  H.  Negley,  President ;  T. 
ly.  Owens,  Secretary;  H.  B.  Krebs,  Treasurer;  Charles  B.  Mc- 
Lean, Dickson  C.  Shaw,  and  W.  P.  Potter.  These  brethren 
have  brought  to  their  onerous  and  difficult  office  the  energy, 
the  business  methods,  and  conscientious  fidelity,  deserving  of 
the  highest  commendation. 

There  is  probably  no  position  in  the  church  more  difficult  to 
fill  to  the  satisfaction  of  all  than  that  of  sexton,  but  our  beloved 
Mr.  John  Grounds  has  not  only  mastered  the  situation  but  has 

114 


SERMONS    AND    ADDRESSES 

captured  all  hearts  in  the  way  he  has  done  it.  He,  with  his 
venerable  father  so  long  the  sexton  of  this  church,  are  entitled 
to  our  profound  regard. 

August  31,  1885,  we  suffered  the  sense  of  a  great  loss  in  the 
death  of  Samuel  Dickey,  the  valued  secretary  of  the  board  of 
trustees,  who  was  not  only  appreciated  for  his  Christian  char- 
acter, but  also  for  the  devotion  of  his  fine  business  talent  to  the 
temporal  interests  of  the  congregation.  One  of  the  most  strik- 
ing events  in  the  necrology  of  the  church  was  the  death  of  the 
Rev.  William  B.  Mcllvaine,  who  died  at  Peoria,  111.,  May  7, 
1892,  in  his  86th  year.  He  had  been  pastor  of  this  church 
for  40  years,  an  able  and  devoted  servant  of  God,  whose  occa- 
sional visits  to  his  former  field  of  labor  were  always  especially 
welcome.  The  oldest  member  of  the  church,  Miss  Catharine  R. 
Negley,  was  received  by  him  on  confession  of  her  faith  64 
years  ago.  Father  Mcllvaine  was  preceded  only  a  few  years  by 
the  death  of  his  wife,  who  was  the  originator  of  women's 
organized  work  in  the  church. 

SERVICE   OF    SONG 

The  session,  while  endeavoring  to  conserve  the  spiritual 
character  of  this  important  part  of  devotional  worship,  have 
endeavored  to  consult  the  reasonable  demands  of  the  congre- 
gation, and  have  a  joint  committee  of  the  session  and  trustees 
on  this  service.  Though  there  have  been  many  changes,  we  are 
glad  to  testify  to  the  excellent  deportment  and  faithful  manner 
in  which  they  all  have  striven  to  aid  the  congregation  in  the 
praise  of  God. 

We  have  also  a  Men's  League,  an  organization  that  meets 
monthly,  whose  object  is  the  discussion  of  denominational  and 
missionary  interests,  and  to  enlist  the  interest,  and  call  out  the 
activity,  of  the  male  members  of  the  congregation,  and  to  take 
up  whatever  may  present  itself  for  the  good  of  the  church. 
We  have  not  sought  to  multiply  organizations  beyond  what  the 
spiritual  life  of  the  congregation  would  set  in  motion,  for  no 
life  springs  from  mere  organization. 

The  question  of  an  assistant  to  the  pastor,  having  been 
under  consideration  by  the  session  and  board  of  trustees  and 
deemed  by  them  of  urgent  importance,  the  pastor  was  directed 

"5 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH 

by  them  February  5th,  1894,  to  select  and  recommend  some 
one  to  the  session,  and  in  due  time  the  name  of  Rev.  John  B. 
Brandt,  of  St.  Louis,  was  reported  as  one  eminently  fitted  for 
the  work.  The  pastor  was  then  requested  to  secure,  if  possible, 
his  acceptance  of  the  position.  This  having  been  done,  the 
Rev.  John  B.  Brandt  came  and  entered  upon  his  work  among 
us  April  1st,  1894.  So  highly  were  the  congregation  pleased 
with  his  bearing  and  qualifications  that  the  selection  was  en- 
dorsed by  a  unanimous  vote  of  the  congregation  at  its  anunal 
meeting  April  11  th,  1894.  For  this  considerate  act  of  the 
congregation,  and  for  the  congenial  and  cordial  co-operation 
of  our  beloved  fellow-laborer,  we  are  profoundly  grateful.  In 
this  rapid  sketch  we  have  omitted  every  name  possible,  con- 
sistent with  its  historical  character.  If  we  began  to  enumerate 
the  names  of  all  those  who  have  filled  prominent  positions  as 
superintendents  and  on  committees,  etc.,  we  would  not  know 
when  to  stop.  While  noting  the  death  of  official  members  we 
have  not  named  the  rest  of  the  roll  of  the  departed,  much  less 
uttered  a  tribute  to  their  memories,  which  it  is  in  our  hearts  to 
do.  Ninety-two  have  fallen  asleep  during  the  past  ten  years, 
and  one  hundred  and  thirty-nine  since  1879  who  were  on  the 
roll  of  communicants,  besides  many  dear  lambs  of  the  flock 
have  been  taken  up  in  the  arms  of  Jesus,  but  through  Him 
we  are  still  united  to  those  who  have  gone  before. 

One  family  we  dwell  in  Him ; 
One  Church  above,  beneath; 
Though  now  divided  by  the  stream — 
The  narrow  stream  of  death. 

In  all  this  ministry  we  have  been  helpers  of  each  other. 
If  the  pulpit  has  been  instrumental  in  quickening  and  impelling 
the  congregation,  the  congregation  has  also  quickened  and  im- 
pelled the  preacher.  Under  God's  blessing  the  activities  and 
numbers  of  the  church  have  steadily  increased.  Just  how  much 
we  have  grown  in  grace  eludes  human  inspection.  The  har- 
mony that  has  existed  between  pastor  and  people,  when  we 
consider  the  number  of  independent  minds,  and  diversified 
tastes  in  this  large  congregation,  and  my  own  manifest  im- 
perfections, is  simply  phenomenal.  This,  with  the  unity  of 
spirit  and  bonds  of  peace  that  has  so  abounded  among  the  mem- 

ii6 


SERMONS    AND   ADDRESSES 

bership,  is  cause  for  most  devout  thanksgiving.  Yet  we  would 
not  be  lifted  up  with  spiritual  pride ;  we  are  all  too  full  of  con- 
scious faults  for  that.  We  are  far  from  having  attained  that 
for  which  we  are  apprehended,  and  have  abundant  reason  to 
be  tender-hearted,  forgiving  one  another  even  as  God  for 
Christ's  sake  has  forgiven  us. 

GROWTH 

A  church  ought  to  continually  advance  in  every  good  work. 
In  some  figures  that  I  now  shall  give  I  must  be  understood  as 
speaking,  not  of  individuals,  but  simply  of  the  East  Liberty 
Presbyterian  Church  as  an  organized  body. 

The  average  amount  given  per  year  for  all  purposes  during 
the  six  years  previous  to  1884,  and  over  which  this  sketch  ex- 
tends, was  $14,021.  The  average  amount  per  year  since  1884 
has  been  $35,156,  a  gain  of  about  150  per  cent.  The  total 
amount  given  during  the  first  year  of  the  present  pastorate 
was  $20,275.  The  total  amount  given  last  year,  despite  the 
hard  times,  was  $40,811,  a  gain  of  over  100  per  cent.  The 
grand  total  given  during  the  ten  years  past  is  $351,562.  The 
total  amount  given  to  our  church  boards  of  benevolence  during 
the  past  ten  years  is  $101,458.  Of  course  this  does  not  include 
all  that  was  given  by  individuals  to  religious  and  charitable 
objects,  which  we  know  in  many  cases  exceeds  the  amounts 
contributed  through  the  church.  We  have  tried  to  connect 
our  giving  with  our  worship,  and  to  make  it  an  integral  part 
of  our  worship,  contributing  every  Sabbath  to  all  the  boards  of 
the  church,  to  hospitals  and  other  Christian  charities,  distribut- 
ing the  amount  according  to  a  printed  schedule. 

There  were  on  the  church  roll  September  28,  1878,  523. 
Received  from  that  date  to  September,  1884,  when  this  pastor- 
ate began,  289;  dismissed,  188;  died,  47;  suspended,  44,  leav- 
ing the  enrollment  ten  years  ago,  when  we  came,  533.  Re- 
ceived since:  On  certificate,  538;  on  examination,  480.  Total 
received  during  the  pastorate,  1,018.  Dismissed,  342;  died, 
92 ;  on  suspended  list,  37 — making  the  present  enrollment 
1,080,  a  gain  of  over  100  per  cent.  The  total  number  received 
into  this  church  since  the  historical  sermon  delivered  Septem- 
ber 28,  1878,  is  1,307.  Baptized  during  the  past  ten  years: 
Infants,  222;  adults,  50. 

117 


CENTENNIAL   EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH 

The  Sabbath  school  in  1884  had  an  enrollment  of  375;  the 
present  enrollment  is  780,  an  increase  of  over  100  per  cent. 
The  increase  in  every  way  is  remarkably  uniform.  These  in- 
gatherir.gs  have  not  been  the  result  of  extraordinary  agencies; 
we  have  been  visited  by  no  evangelist,  and  have  had  scarcely 
any  protracted  services.  God  in  His  mercy  has  been  pleased 
to  bless  the  ordinary  stated  means  of  grace.  We  have  had  addi- 
tions by  examination  at  every  communion.  There  has  been 
no  resort  to  novel  or  sensational  methods;  we  have  relied  on 
the  plain,  simple  Gospel — there  is  nothing  like  it.  I  have  been 
exceedingly  fortunate  in  always  having  been  supported  by  a 
united  and  loving  people,  who  under  God  have  drawn  out  my 
whole  heart  in  the  service  of  Him  whose  I  am  and  whom  I 
serve. 

These  ten  years  of  service  have  been,  as  you  all  know,  a 
service  of  gladness  for  which  I  am  under  everlasting  obligations 
to  your  kindness  and  forbearance,  which  doubtless  has  been 
heavily  taxed  by  my  m^any  conscious  imperfections. 

I  have  preached  to  you  963  sermons,  besides  over  400  weekly 
prayer  meeting  addresses,  and  have  conducted  over  300  funeral 
services.  During  each  year  I  have  made  over  700  pastoral  calls 
and  visits.  Whoever  discharges  aright  the  duties  of  such  a 
pastorate  as  this  must  write  every  year  what,  if  printed,  would 
fill  two  octavo  volumes  as  large  as  any  man  who  devotes  him- 
self to  authorship  would  think  of  composing  in  the  same  time; 
he  must  also  speak  as  much  every  year  as  a  lawyer  in  good 
practice  speaks  at  the  bar,  and  besides  he  must  spend  as  much 
time  in  making  and  receiving  professional  visits  as  are  spent  by 
an  ordinary  physician. 

I  am  sorry  for  the  minister  who  does  not  love  his  work, 
but  he  who  loves  it  as  he  should  needs  no  man's  pity;  his  is 
the  grandest  privilege  given  to  mortals  to  enjoy.  While  this 
glance  at  the  past  ten  years  humbles  me  with  the  recollection 
of  many  shortcomings,  may  we  not  hope  that  God  will  blot 
out  whatever  has  been  neglected  or  done  amiss  with  His  most 
generous  pardon,  and  continue  to  us  while  we  continue  a 
little  longer  together,  the  overwhelming  wealth  of  His  love  and 
favor  ? 

ii8 


CENTENNIAL  SERMON 

By  THE  Rev.  Frank  Woolford  Sneed,  D.  D. 

"Lord,  I  h.ive  loved  the  habitation  of  thy  house,  and  the 
place  tvhere  thine  honor  dwelleth." — Psalms  26:  8. 

IHE  occasion  which  brings  us  together  today  is  of 
litself  an  inspiration — a  century  of  history  lies  be- 
tween us  and  the  event  we  celebrate.  One  hun- 
ijdred  years  ago  a  little  group  of  sturdy  pioneers 
met  on  this  spot  where  we  worship  and  took  the  initial  step 
which,  after  a  century,  has  resulted  in  this  great  church  and 
all  for  which  it  stands. 

My  text  is  the  message  of  a  king  to  his  people.  It  seems  to 
fit  -the  spirit  of  this  occasion,  and  at  the  same  time  give  an  in- 
sight into  the  character  of  its  author  and  the  people  over  whom 
he  ruled.  Kings  usually  take  delight  in  their  armies,  their 
possessions,  and  the  splendor  of  their  courts,  or  some  other 
worldly  thing.  But  here  is  a  king  and  a  people  whose  delight 
is  in  worship  of  their  God. 

What  we  love  determines  our  influence,  both  in  degree  and 
kind.  The  Greeks  loved  beauty,  and  this  love  crowned  the 
Acropolis  at  Athens  with  the  Temple  of  Minerva,  and  Acro- 
corinthus  with  the  Temple  of  Venus.  But  these  have  long 
since  become  a  mass  of  ruins. 

The  Caesars  loved  power,  and  their  legions  shook  the  earth 
with  their  ponderous  tread,  conquered  nation  after  nation  until 
their  empire  covered  the  known  world.  But  this  world  empire 
also  has  passed  away. 

David  loved  God's  house,  and  he  and  his  people  have  given 
the  world  the  true  religion,  which  holds  sway  in  the  hearts 
of  intelligent  people  in  every  nation  and  kindred  and  clime. 

When  we  think  of  the  Pittsburgh  of  today  as  the  great  in- 
dustrial center  of  the  nation,  if  not  of  the  world,  we  are  apt 
to  explain  it  in  the  terms  of  matter.  Religion  is  a  spiritual 
thing,  and  for  that  reason,  to  the  man  who  thinks  in  material 
terms,  it  seems  an  unreal  thing.     But  I  can  assure  you  that  the 

119 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH 

victory  which  has  made  this  city  what  it  is,  has  not  been  won 
by  material  weapons  only.  In  this  battle  has  been  fighting  the 
army  of  the  Lord  and  of  Gideon. 

To  appreciate  this  it  is  necessary  occasionally  to  recall  scenes 
like  that  of  a  hundred  years  ago,  when  Jacob  Negley  and  Mrs. 
Barbara  Anna  Negley,  his  wife,  in  the  village-meeting  took  the 
initial  step  in  donating  this  property  which  assured  the  safe 
launching  of  a  new  spiritual  enterprise. 

Those  of  you  who  attended  the  pageant  last  night  have  this 
scene  vividly  before  your  minds.  Now,  we  do  not  claim  that 
the  act  on  the  part  of  Jacob  and  Barbara  Negley  in  deeding 
this  property  was  the  actual  beginning  of  religion  in  East  Lib- 
erty. But  it  crystallized  the  religion  which  already  existed 
in  the  hearts  and  homes  of  the  villagers — gave  definiteness  of 
purpose,  and  secured  concerted  action  in  the  attainment  of  its 
ultimate  end.  There  are  some  interesting  facts  bearing  upon 
this  point  which  have  not  been  specially  emphasized  heretofore. 

Prior  to  1819  Christian  families  resident  in  this  East  Liberty 
valley,  of  different  faith,  conducted  a  Sabbath  school  during  the 
summer  months  at  least,  and  occasionally  had  public  worship 
in  their  homes. 

The  Negley  family,  which  was  large  and  influential,  was 
originally  Swiss  Protestant.  The  name  Alexander  Negley, 
the  father  of  Jacob  Negley,  appears  among  the  forty-two 
names  that  are  recorded  as  assisting  the  Rev.  John  W.  Weber  in 
foimding  the  first  German  United  Evangelical  Protestant  con- 
gregation, which  still  worships  at  the  corner  of  Smithfield 
street  and  Sixth  avenue.  The  name  of  John  Conrad  Wine- 
biddle  is  also  one  of  these  forty-two.  We  find  evidence  of  the 
Rev.  John  Weber  frequently  conducting  worship  in  the  Neg- 
ley home  prior  to  1819,  to  which  the  neighbors  were  invited. 
This  naturally  begr.t  the  spirit  of  good  fellowship. 

On  the  other  hand  the  Bailey,  the  Barr,  the  Burchfield,  and 
the  Joyce  families  were  Presbyterians;  and  there  are  indica- 
tions that  they  also  at  times  had  a  minister  of  their  faith  con- 
duct worship,  to  which  also  the  neighbors  were  invited ;  and 
so  the  spirit  of  good  fellowship  grew. 


SERMONS    AND   ADDRESSES 

BEARING  DATE  OF  AUGUST  27,  1818 
We  find  among  some  old  papers  the  following:  "Then  paid 
the  Rev.  James  Graham  eighteen  dollars  and  sixteen  and  one- 
fourth  cents."  And  there  is  another  such  receipt  of  the  date 
January  25,  1919.  Now,  the  Rev.  James  Graham  was  the  pastor 
of  Beulah  Presbyterian  Church,  and  both  these  antedate  April, 
1819. 

When  the  time  came  to  discuss  the  matter  of  a  church,  the 
Presbyterians  being  evidently  in  the  majority,  the  Neglcy  fam- 
ily showed  the  magnanimous  spirit  and  said,  "We  can  serve 
the  Lord  as  Presbyterians,"  and  a  Presbyterian  church  was 
decided  upon. 

DATE  OF  ORGANIZATION 

The  deed  to  the  property  bears  the  date  of  April  12,  1819, 
and  a  building  was  also  then  erected ;  but  the  church  was  not 
organized  until  September  28th,  1828.  This  delay  of  nine 
years,  I  believe,  has  never  been  fully  explained,  and  perhaps 
never  will  be.  However,  some  light  can  be  thrown  on  it  by 
putting  ourselves  in  the  atmosphere  and  under  the  conditions 
of  the  times.  This  is  a  very  necessary  thing  always  for  the 
historian  to  do.  You  cannot  rightly  interpret  events  apart 
from  their  environment.  You  cannot  rightly  estimate  a  life 
apart  from  the  age  in  which  it  is  lived.  We  live  and  think  and 
travel  in  an  age  of  electricity.  They  lived,  and  thought,  and 
traveled  in  an  age  of  the  mud  road  and  the  ox-cart.  We  think 
and  act  in  the  atmosphere  of  a  great,  hustling,  industrial  cen- 
tre, teeming  with  life  and  energy.  They  thought  and  worked 
in  the  atmosphere  of  the  pioneer  days. 

These  hills  now  echoing  the  whistle  of  the  railroad  engine, 
and  enveloped  in  smoke,  were  then  covered  with  virgin  forests, 
whose  stillness  was  only  broken  by  the  sound  of  the  woodman's 
axe,  or  an  occasional  rifle  shot. 

Pittsburgh  lay  far  away  beyond  Herron  Hill,  with  a  popu- 
lation of  about  seven  thousand ;  and  East  Liberty  valley  was 
a  farming  section.  Pittsburgh  had  only  been  incorporated  in 
1816.  In  the  city  proper  were  but  two  Presbyterian  churches, 
the  First  and  the  Second.  To  the  east,  some  five  or  six  miles 
away,  was  old  Beulah  Church.     But  all  these  u-^re  small  and 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

Struggling.  Ihe  Second  Church  was  only  organized  in  1804; 
and  the  First  Church,  though  much  older,  was  still  in  swad- 
dling clothes.  When  Dr.  Herron  took  charge  in  1811,  it 
reported  sixty-five  members  and  paid  him  $600  per  annum. 
Usually  the  opposition  of  Beulah  Church  to  the  organization 
of  East  Liberty  is  referred  to  and  then  the  matter  is  dropped, 
as  though  this  were  explanation  enough. 

The  reasons  given  for  her  opposition  sound  strange  to  our 
ears,  to  be  sure,  but  remember  they  were  given  ninety-one 
years  ago.  As  these  reasons  have  never  been  stated  in  a  his- 
torical sermon  before,  I  will  give  them.  They  appear  on  the 
records  in  the  form  of  a  protest  by  the  Rev.  James  Graham,  pas- 
tor of  Beulah  Church,  and  are  five  in  number,  as  follows : 

1 .  The  Presbytery  acted  precipitately  in  the  case,  not  giving 
his  congregation  a  chance  to  be  heard. 

2.  Because  he  sincerely  believed  that  their  decision  was 
directly  calculated  to  destroy  the  congregation  of  which  he  had 
been  for  twenty-three  years  pastor. 

3.  Because  the  precedent,  if  generally  acted  on,  would 
destroy  a  great  portion  of  the  congregations  in  the  bounds  of 
the  Presbytery. 

4.  Because  it  was  only  a  small  portion  of  those  who  applied 
for  the  erection  of  the  new  congregation. 

5.  Because  the  decision  implied  a  reflection  on  him  for  neg- 
lect of  ministerial  duties. 

The  protest,  though  recorded  by  the  Presbytery,  was  never 
taken  up  to  the  Synod. 

If  we  can  transport  ourselves  back  one  hundred  years  in 
our  thinking,  I  am  sure  we  can  discover  more  serious  obstacles 
than  those  objections  of  the  Beulah  Church. 

It  is  a  well  known  fact  that,  after  the  Revolutionary  war, 
a  spiritual  apathy  settled  down  over  the  country.  Many  of 
our  great  leaders  had  been,  consciously  or  unconsciously,  in- 
fluenced by  French  skepticism.  A  marked  change  began  with 
the  great  revival  at  the  opening  of  the  nineteenth  century.  But 
all  the  sparsely  settled  frontier  did  not  immediately  feel  this 
awakening. 

A  writer  of  1809  says  the  morals  of  Pittsburgh  had  grown 
so  bad  that  it  was  necessary  to  start  a  reform  movement,  and 


SERMONS    AND    ADDRESSES 

the  Pittsburgh  Moral  Society  was  organized.  The  Pittsburgh 
Gazette  of  August  16th,  1809,  says  the  object  of  this  society 
was  to  suppress  vice.  But  even  after  the  revival  came  it  seemed 
for  a  time  to  intensify  rather  than  to  remove  difficulties.  Take, 
for  example,  the  scarcity  of  ministers.  New  churches  if  organ- 
ized, could  get  no  one  to  care  for  them;  and  this  often  caused 
communities  of  believers  to  delay  their  requests  for  organiza- 
tion. There  were  few  trained  laymen  who  could  lead  public 
worship.  In  a  historical  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Richard  Lea,  he  thus 
refers  to  this  period:,  "I  did  not  know  six  young  men  who 
could  lead  in  prayer  in  a  public  meeting."  Neither  were  there 
schools  for  making  ministers. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  nineteenth  century  there  were  but 
thirteen  colleges  in  the  United  States.  Four  of  these  were 
founded  by  Presbyterians  and  four  by  Congregationalists.  To 
their  honor  it  may  be  truthfully  said  that  these  two  Christian 
bodies  gave  the  first  impulse  to  higher  education  on  this 
continent. 

But  even  Princeton,  the  oldest  of  Presbyterian  colleges,  from 
1808  to  1813  had  but  one  full  professor,  besides  the  president; 
and  from  1813  to  1827,  but  two.  Up  to  1812  we  had  no  theo- 
logical seminary.  Then  Princeton  Seminary  opened  with  one 
professor  and  three  students.  This  explains  why,  when  a  min- 
ister came  to  the  little  flock  in  East  Liberty,  after  they  had 
waited  for  nine  years,  he  was  a  man  from  overseas.  There 
were  many  groups  of  believers  throughout  this  frontier  coun- 
try waiting  for  a  shepherd  as  East  Liberty  was  waiting  for 
the  Irish  missionary,  John  Joyce, 

1  he  only  \vay  men  could  prepare  for  the  ministry  before 
1812  was  to  study  under  some  pastor,  as  young  men  seeking 
the  law  attached  themselves  to  some  successful  lawyer. 

After  the  great  revival  spread  into  this  section,  many  men 
past  school  age  sought  to  enter  the  ministry.  These  largely 
got  their  preparation  in  service,  such  as  dealing  with  inquirers 
and  leading  small  meetings  for  prayer.  This  is  the  way  such 
useful  men  as  Joseph  Patterson  and  Thomas  Davis  came  into 
the  ministry.  They  proved  their  call  by  the  souls  they  led  to 
Christ.  Thomas  Davis  is  said  to  have  been  the  first  layman 
west  of  the  Allegheny  mountains  to  pray  in  public.     He  was 

123 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

the  grandfather  of  our  Dr.  Thomas  D.  Davis,  who  served  as 
Elder  of  this  church  thirty-seven  years,  and  is  still  held  in 
blessed  memory. 

There  was  a  general  breaking  up  after  the  war  of  1812. 
This  awakening  was  in  commerce  as  well  as  in  religion;  and 
before  the  first  quarter  of  the  century  closed  it  was  at  high 
tide. 

The  farmers  of  the  East  who  had  been  affected  by  the  wars, 
started  for  the  rich  lands  of  the  west  in  great  numbers.  Into 
the  states  of  Kentuckj'^,  Ohio,  Indiana,  as  well  as  western 
Pennsylvania  this  tide  flowed.  Some  of  these  states  doubled 
and  even  trebled  their  population  in  a  decade.  Pittsburgh,  of 
course,  greatly  profited  by  this  movement.  Her  population  in 
ten  years  increased  more  than  seventy-three  per  cent.  The  gov- 
ernment bought  Arsenal  Park,  and  expended  some  three  hun- 
dred thousand  dollars  in  its  improvement.  The  first  rolling 
mill  was  built  here  in  1819.  President  Monroe  visited  the  city 
in  1817.  This  western  tide  gave  a  new  impulse  to  improve 
transportation.  Trails  were  made  into  roads;  bridges  were 
erected.  In  1816  the  Pittsburgh  and  Greensburg  Pike  was 
laid  out.  The  Monongahela  bridge  was  erected  in  1818;  and 
the  Allegheny  bridge  in  1820.  This  also  was  the  era  of  canal 
building.  In  1816  the  Union  Canal  was  started,  leading  from 
Reading  to  Middletown,  and  soon  after  its  completion  the 
state  began  the  construction  of  the  water  route  from  Pitts- 
burgh to  Philadelphia.  The  Erie  Canal  came  about  the  same 
time.  The  building  of  the  steamboat  "New  Orleans"  came 
also  in  this  period;  and  in  1821  gas  was  found  on  Little  Char- 
tiers  Creek. 

The  spiritual  awakening  already  begun  was  only  augmented 
by  this  new  spirit  in  business  and  the  improved  means  of  travel. 
Academies  suddenly  became  colleges.  In  1802  McMillan's 
Log  Cabin  Academy  suddenly  became  Jefferson  College,  and 
in  1806  Washington  College  was  incorporated.  Later  theo- 
logical seminaries  sprang  up  here  and  there.  Our  Western 
Seminary  opened  for  work  in  Allegheny  in  1827. 

The  General  Assembly  of   1816  constituted  the  Board  of 

124 


SERMONS    AND    ADDRESSES 

Home  Missions.  A  committee  up  to  this  time  directed  all  such 
work  in  the  church;  but  now  the  spirit  of  expansion  had  out- 
grown the  committee. 

In  1806  was  the  famous  haystack  prayer  meeting  held  by 
students  of  Williams  College,  which  gave  birth  to  the  Amer- 
ican Board  of  Commissioners  of  Foreign  Missions,  in  the  work 
of  which  the  Presbyterian  Church  was  a  participant  for  years. 
This  participation  continued  until  1831,  when  the  Western 
Missionary  Society  was  organized  by  the  Synod  of  Pittsburgh, 
which  later  became  our  present  Board  of   Foreign   Missions. 

Remember  when  the  church  was  seeing  visions  and  launch- 
ing these  large  schemes,  she  was  still  in  her  swaddling  clothes. 
According  to  the  report  of  1817  there  were  in  the  whole  Pres- 
byterian Church  but  five  hundred  thirty-six  ministers,  five  hun- 
dred fifty-six  churches,  with  forty-seven  thousand  five  hundred 
sixty-eight  members.  It  was  this  same  spirit  that  animated 
the  founders  of  this  East  Liberty  Church,  you  can  easily  see, 
when  you  judge  them  in  the  light  of  their  environment. 

Take  this  broad  avenue  upon  which  this  church  faces,  the 
spacious  lot  upon  which  this  church  stands,  and  compare  these 
with  many  others  of  much  later  date,  and  you  will  get  my 
point.  Think  what  it  would  mean  to  this  city  today  if  all 
the  property  owners  along  this  line  of  Penn  avenue  had  laid 
ofl[  the  broad  thoroughfare  that  runs  through  East  Liberty, 

In  1828  the  church  was  organized  by  the  Rev.  John  Joyce, 
a  man  evidently  of  missionary  spirit,  with  twenty-two  members 
coming  from  hve  different  churches,  and  yet  perfect  harmony 
seemed  to  prevail  from  the  first, 

Jacob  Negley  died  March  18,  1827,  which  explains  why  his 
name  does  not  appear  in  the  list  of  charter  members.  On 
Sabbath,  October  5,  1828,  the  young  church  held  its  first  com- 
munion service.  Eleven  new  members  were  added,  nine  of 
whom  were  on  confession  of  faith.  October  12,  1828,  the  Rev. 
John  Joyce  baptized  the  first  child,  Rebecca  Roup  Negley.  At 
the  second  communion  twenty-one  new  members  were  added; 
at  the  third,  eleven,  making  sixty-three  in  all,  thus  trebling  its 
membership  in  the  first  year. 

In  those  early  sessional  records  we  find  frequent  references 
like  this:     "The  session  met  for  conference  and  prayer."     A 

125 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

praying  session  has  much  to  do  with  making  a  praying  church. 
This  spirit  of  growth  and  progress  seems  to  have  followed  the 
church  throughout  its  career.  With  reasonable  accuracy,  the 
following  figures  have  been  compiled : 


Added  on 
Confession. 

Added  by 
Letter. 

Total. 

From 

1828  to 

1865 

365 

332 

688 

From 

1865  to 

1878 

285 

342 

627 

PVom 

1878  to 

1884 

117 

172 

289 

From 

1884  to 

1901 

760 

846 

1,606 

From 

1901  to 

1919 

869 

872 

1,741 

2,387         2,564         4,951 

A  COLONIZING  CHURCH 

The  missionary  spirit  of  the  church  early  manifested  itself 
in  the  effort  to  care  for  other  sections  needing  Gospel  minis- 
trations, and  so  she  has  become  a  mother  of  churches.  We  do 
not  claim  to  have  started,  or  founded,  the  Sixth  United  Pres- 
byterian Church.  We  would  be  proud  to  do  so  if  we  could. 
Yet  the  facts  show  that  its  beginnings  bear  to  East  Liberty 
Church  a  unique  relation.  After  examining  our  own  records, 
reading  the  published  history  of  the  Sixth  United  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  consulting  with  several  members  of  the  family  of 
Mr.  David  Kuhn,  the  following  is  made  plain:  in  1856  Mr. 
Kuhn  was  a  member  and  trustee  of  East  Liberty  Church.  On 
the  twenty-fourth  day  of  March  of  this  year,  a  melodeon  was 
brought  into  the  church,  which  for  that  time  was  a  radical 
innovation.  Mr.  Kuhn  resigned  as  trustee,  and  he  and  his 
family  withdrew  from  East  Liberty  Church,  with  others  who 
evidently  sympathized  with  his  position.  In  the  autumn  of 
the  same  year,  in  the  home  of  Mr.  Kuhn  were  taken  steps 
which  brought  into  existence  what  was  first  known  as  the 
Associate  Presbyterian  Church.  But  we  only  mention  this  to 
clear  up  a  bit  of  history  which  heretofore  has  been  rather  hazy. 

But  glories  enough  were  left  to  us  without  claiming  what 
does  not  belong  to  us.  The  following  is  authentic,  and  but 
recently  unearthed  by  one  of  the  older  members  of  this  church 
in  an  old  Sabbath  school  record  book:     "This  is  to  certify  that 

126 


SERMONS    AND    ADDRESSES 

Sabbath,  the  tenth  day  of  June,  1860,  a  school  was  organized, 
named  the  Squirrel  Hill  Presbyterian  Sabbath  School,  in  Peeb- 
les township,  in  Forward  schoolhouse.  Seven  dollars  have  been 
expended  for  books  and  'Visitor'  for  the  use  of  said  school,  and 
twelve  dollars  more  collected  for  the  same  purpose.  Superin- 
tendent, Wm.  N.  Burchfield ;  average  attendance,  seven  teachers 
and  thirty-five  scholars."  This  school  we  find  was  fostered 
for  years  by  East  Liberty  Church. 

In  the  Sabbath  school  records  of  1860  by  Wm.  N.  Burch- 
field, we  find  under  "Remarks,"  references  like  this:  "In  the 
afternoon  we  visited  in  the  company  with  George  A.  Berry  and 
Lemuel  Spahr  the  mission  school  on  Squirrel  Hill."  From 
this  school  later  came  the  Mt.  Olive  Church,  which  consoli- 
dated with  the  Sixth  Church  when  the  latter  moved  to  Squirrel 
Hill  a  few  years  ago. 

In  1852  the  Pennsylvania  Central  Railroad  was  opened,  and 
suburban  life  became  more  popular.  By  the  early  sixties  a 
number  of  families  had  their  homes  in  what  is  now  called  the 
Shady  Side  section.  Thomas  Aiken,  an  elder  in  East  Liberty 
Church,  with  Addison  Burchfield,  Charles  Warmcastle,  and 
other  members  of  this  church,  opened  a  Sunday  school  in  a  lit- 
tle one-story  schoolhouse  in  this  new  and  growing  community. 
Out  of  this  Sunday  school,  a  few  years  later,  came  the  Shady 
Side  Presbyterian  Church.  The  church  was  organized  July 
8,  1867.  Certificates  were  granted  to  eleven  members  of  East 
Liberty  Church  to  aid  in  the  organization,  among  them  one 
elder.  Later  other  families  were  dismissed,  among  these  the 
family  of  George  A.  Berry,  who  was  also  an  elder  in  East 
Liberty  Church. 

June  28,  1869,  certificates  were  granted  by  the  session  of 
East  Liberty  Church  to  sixteen  more  members  who  went  out 
to  assist  in  starting  the  Westminster  Church.  This  enterprise 
was  also  financially  assisted  by  the  mother  church.  For  some 
reason  this  work  ceased  to  prosper,  and  in  1880  the  church 
was  dissolved  by  the  Presbytery.  East  Liberty,  undaunted  by 
this  seeming  failure,  entered  the  same  field  again,  and  April 
28,  1881,  the  Park  Avenue  Church  was  organized.  This 
church  has  had  in  some  respects  a  remarkable  history.  Dr. 
George  W.  Chalfant,   its  pastor  for  many  years,  gave  three 

127 


CENTENNIAL   EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH 

sons  to  the  ministry,  two  of  whom  went  to  China,  and  his 
daughter  married  the  Rer.  Joseph  Greves,  now  pastor  at  New 
Alexandria,  Pa.  It  is  sometimes  stated  that  Park  avenue  has 
given  to  the  church  more  ministers  and  missionaries  than  any 
other  church  of  equal  size  and  age  in  the  Presbytery. 

Next  comes  Point  Breeze  Church,  organized  in  1887.  It 
took  form  quickly,  so  its  history  is  brief.  The  Point  Breeze 
section  was  in  the  early  eighties  filling  up  with  prosperous 
families;  and  Mr.  Charles  Arbuthnot,  with  thirty-nine  other 
members  dismissed  by  East  Liberty  Church,  became  the  nucleus 
which  formed  the  new  church.  In  a  little  while  this  hive  also 
swarmed,  and  the  result  was  the  Tabernacle  Church. 

While  all  this  was  going  on,  the  foundation  of  another 
church  was  being  laid.  December  5,  1885,  the  session  of  East 
Liberty  Church  decided  to  open  a  work  in  the  North  Highland 
section.  January  17,  1886,  a  Sunday  school  was  started.  By 
December  of  the  same  year,  a  lot  had  been  purchased  and  a 
building  erected.  In  the  fall  of  1892  the  Highland  Presby- 
terian Church  was  organized  with  48  members.  The  Rev. 
Charles  P.  Cheeseman  became  their  first  pastor,  and  has  con- 
tinued to  lead  his  flock  for  27  years.  In  a  conversation  with 
him  a  few  days  ago  he  spoke  gratefully  of  the  assistance  given 
him  in  his  w^ork  by  Mr.  James  I.  Buchanan,  Mr.  John  H. 
McKelvy,  Mrs.  McKelvy  and  Mrs.  Charles  Curry;  the  two 
latter  were  for  years  leaders  of  the  Kumler  Mission  Band. 

The  Italian  Church  on  Larimer  avenue  owes  its  beginning 
to  a  group  of  good  women  of  East  Liberty  Church.  I  have 
been  unable  to  get  full  information,  but  this  much  is  clear: 
Miss  IVIaggie  Forsythe  called  the  attention  of  Miss  Margaret 
Buchanan  (who  afterwards  married  Dr.  Ribetti),  Miss  Jane 
Rea,  and  others  to  the  fact  that  nothing  was  being  done  for  the 
Italians  in  this  city.  Miss  Jane  Buchanan,  who  speaks  Italian, 
joined  them,  and  an  industrial  school  was  started ;  later  a 
Sunday  school ;  and  finally,  April  3,  1894,  a  church  was  or- 
ganized by  a  committee,  composed  of  Dr.  Kumler,  Dr.  H.  T. 
McClelland  and  Mr.  James  B.  Lyon.  The  latter  was  for 
forty-four  years  an  elder  in  East  Liberty  Church.  For  the 
success  of  this  movement  much  credit  must  be  given  these  good 
women,  and  those  associated  with  them.     Mr.  E.  H.  Riggs  is 

128 


SERMONS    AND    ADDRESSES 

now  superintendent  of  the  Sunday  school,  in  which  capacity 
he  has  served  faithfully  for  more  than  twelve  years.  From 
East  Liberty  Church  has  been  drawn  from  the  first  most  of  the 
helpers  in  this  Italian  work.  Later  this  Italian  church,  having 
lost  its  session,  was  placed  again  under  the  East  Liberty  session. 

The  Jacob  Negley  Mission  was  conducted  by  Mr.  J.  M. 
Pardee,  in  Negley 's  Run,  a  most  needy  section,  for  many  years, 
and  was  only  given  up  by  him  a  short  time  before  his  death 
because  it  overtaxed  his  strength.  The  origin  of  this  work  I 
have  been  vmable  to  learn. 

The  Valley  View  Church,  the  last  of  this  large  family  of 
happy  children  to  leave  the  paternal  roof,  also  grew  out  of  a 
Sunday  school,  started  in  November,  1894,  by  the  Young  Peo- 
ple's Association  and  workers  from  East  Liberty  Sabbath  school, 
among  whom  were  Mr.  Wm.  H.  Smith,  Mr.  J.  W.  Robin- 
son and  Mr.  R.  B.  Mcintosh.  Later,  preaching  services  were 
begun  and  the  Rev.  George  M.  Ryall,  a  son  of  East  Liberty, 
then  a  student  in  the  Western  Theological  Seminary,  supplied 
for  them  during  the  summer  vacation.  In  1902  Mr.  O.  H. 
Allerton  generously  gave  a  lot  at  the  head  of  Black  street,  a 
chapel  was  built  at  a  cost  of  about  $15,000.  May  6,  1914,  it 
was  organized  into  a  church  by  the  Presbytery.  The  mother 
church  dismissed  one  hundred  thirteen  members  to  the  new 
organization,  and  still  aids  the  work  financially.  Three  elders 
of  East  Liberty  Church,  Mr.  M.  D.  Shields,  Mr.  George  S. 
Graham  and  Mr.  S.  E.  Gill,  were  pioneer  helpers  in  this  enter- 
prise. 

And  this  is  not  all ;  but  this  mother  of  churches  has  given 
freely  her  children  to  the  Lord's  work,  at  home  and  in  distant 
lands. 

Theodore  S.  Negley,  a  grandson  of  Jacob  and  Barbara  Anna 
Negley,  was  ordained  to  the  Gospel  ministry,  April,  1876,  and 
preached  the  Gospel  to  the  saving  of  many  souls  for  over 
thirty-five  years.  William  Addison  Burchfield  prepared  for 
the  ministry,  and  was  ordained,  but  had  to  give  up  the  work 
for  health  reasons.  Albert  M.  West  prepared  in  Western 
Theological  Seminary,  Princeton  Theological  Seminary,  and 
in  Scotland,  and  was  ordained  by  the  Presbytery  of  Council 
Bluffs,  in  1887.    He  served  mostly  in  the  West,  where  he  now 

129 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

resides.  George  M.  Ryall,  after  graduating  from  Western 
Theological  Seminary,  in  1898,  settled  first  at  West  Elizabeth, 
but  a  few  months  later  went  to  Saltsburg,  where  he  has  done 
a  successful  work  for  nearly  twenty  years.  George  E.  Gilles- 
pie, a  son  of  a  former  pastor  of  this  church,  brought  up  in  the 
Sabbath  school,  and  for  this  reason  claimed  as  a  son  of  this 
church,  is  a  Princeton  man,  and  has  for  many  years  been  the 
successful  pastor  at  Coatesville,  Pa.  William  Fulton,  another 
son  of  the  church,  graduated  from  Western  Theological  Semi- 
nary and  died  a  few  months  later.  Roy  F.  Miller,  a  student 
in  Western  Theological  Seminary,  who,  when  he  entered  the 
war,  offered  his  services  to  his  country,  reached  the  rank  of 
captain,  was  honorably  discharged  after  the  armistice  was 
signed,  and  is  now  supplying  the  church  at  Cairo,  W.  Va. 

Besides,  the  following  missionaries  have  gone  out:  Miss  Nel- 
lie Cuthbert,  now  Mrs.  Arthur  Bryan,  went  to  Japan,  where 
for  years  she  did  a  great  work.  Miss  Maggie  Forsythe,  known 
to  all  East  Liberty  people,  was  for  years  a  city  missionary, 
working  among  the  poor  here  in  the  East  End.  Mrs.  Harry 
Boyd,  who,  with  her  husband,  has  served  twenty  years  in 
China,  is  now  in  Los  Angeles,  recovering  from  a  serious 
breakdown  in  health.  Miss  Hadessa  J.  McCay,  who  labored 
for  years  among  the  mountain  whites,  is  now  a  missionary 
visitor  for  this  church.  Miss  Mary  Moore  in  1903  went  to 
China;  was  later  married  to  Myron  Peck,  who,  in  the  great 
war  reached  the  rank  of  captain  and  fell  in  action  in  France. 
Miss  A.  Katharine  St.  Clair  and  Miss  Nancy  E.  McFarland, 
both  went  to  Egypt,  Miss  St.  Clair  under  the  Board  of  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church,  and  Miss  McFarland  under  our 
own  Board.  Miss  St.  Clair  is  still  upon  the  field.  Miss  Mc- 
Farland was  called  back  and  is  now  Secretary  for  the  Young 
Women's  Christian  Association,  New  York.  Miss  Louise  M. 
Browne  for  several  years  worked  in  our  Valley  View  mission, 
and  is  now  identified  with  the  work  of  the  Society  for  the 
Improvement  of  the  Poor.  Miss  Jean  Hanna  has  for  several 
years  been  in  city  mission  work,  and  Mrs.  Wm.  T.  Larimer 
is  the  W^oman's  Secretary  of  our  Freedmen's  Board.  The  last 
to  go  vras  Miss  Elizabeth  Pardee,  who  took  up  her  work  about 

130 


JAltES  I.  BUCHANAN 
Elder;  First  President  Young  People's  Association; 
Leader  Class   29. 


SERMONS    AND    ADDRESSES 

a  year  ago.     She  is  teaching  in  Mary  Allen  Seminary,  Crocker, 
Texas — a  school  under  the  Freedmen's  Board. 

If  time  would  permit  I  would  like  to  speak  at  length  of  the 
various  agencies  and  activities  of  this  church.  There  is  seldom 
a  day  passes  that  does  not  see  from  one  to  half  a  dozen  meet- 
ings held  here.  All  of  this  will  be  dwelt  upon  in  the  history 
soon  to  be  published.  My  reference,  for  lack  of  time,  will  be 
largely  to  the  new  features  added  during  the  present  pastorate. 

Next  we  turn  to  our  Sabbath  school,  which  traces  its  begin- 
nings back  to  1819,  and  which  has  always  taken  a  place  of 
leadership.  Dr.  Worden  once  said  in  an  open  meeting,  in  my 
presence,  that  he  regarded  it  as  one  of  the  best,  if  not  the  best, 
in  the  United  States,  and  that  meant  in  the  world.  Our  school 
was  one  of  the  first  to  adopt  the  graded  system ;  and  class  29  is 
one  of  the  oldest  known  organized  adult  classes,  and  has  been 
ably  led  for  more  than  thirty-six  years  by  its  present  teacher, 
Mr.  James  I.  Buchanan.  The  success  of  this  class  is  due  in  a 
large  measure  to  its  faithful  leader  and  its  loyalty  to  the  word 
of  God.  Its  governing  principle,  "Thus  saith  the  Lord,"  ends 
all  controversy. 

The  present  enrollment  of  the  school  is  804.  The  school 
now  has  many  departments,  among  which  might  be  mentioned 
also  the  Brotherhood  Bible  Class,  the  Home  Department,  and 
the  Chinese  Department,  several  members  of  which  have  re- 
turned to  China  to  do  missionary  work  among  their  own  people. 

Since  the  organization  of  the  church  in  1828,  the  school  has 
had  twenty  superintendents.  Among  these  are  found  names 
held  in  blessed  memory  by  all  who  knew  them.  To  Wm.  N. 
Burchfield  we  must  give  the  honor  for  the  longest  service  as 
superintendent.  For  twenty-one  and  a  half  years  he  filled  this 
important  place ;  and  next  to  him  comes  the  present  superin- 
tendent, Mr.  S.  E.  Gill,  who  has  over  twenty  years  to  his 
credit. 

We  will  next  speak  of  the  Young  People's  Society,  which  is 
and  long  has  been  a  factor  in  the  church  life.  Through  Mr. 
James  Boyle  we  have  been  able  to  trace  it  back  to  small  gath- 
erings of  young  men  and  women  for  prayer  in  separate  groups. 
Later  they  utiited  in  one  meeting.     The  first  constitution  was 

131 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

written  by  Mr,  Boyle,  Miss  Kumler,  Miss  Alice  McFarland 
and  Mr.  R-obert  Buchanan.  Mr.  Jas.  I.  Buchanan  was  the 
first  president. 

Tlie  Young  People's  Society  was  one  of  the  active  agencies 
in  starting  the  Park  Avenue  Church,  the  Highland  Presby- 
terian Church,  and  the  Valley  View  Church.  It  was  changed 
into  a  Christian  Endeavor  Society  in  1906.  The  society  has 
for  years  conducted  religious  services  monthly  in  the  Old 
Couples'  Home,  in  Wilkinsburg;  and  during  the  summer,  open 
air  meetings  on  the  church  lawn.  A  Junior  Christian  En- 
deavor was  organized  in  1916,  under  the  joint  superintendency 
of  Mrs.  S.  H.  Augustine  and  Miss  Rebecca  Crawford,  with  a 
charter  membership  of  seven,  and  is  now  flourishing  under  the 
leadership  of  Mrs.  Augustine. 

East  Liberty  Church  has  from  the  first  been  known  for  its 
splendid  men.  It  has  had  among  its  officers  many  men  promi- 
nent in  the  business,  political  and  religious  life  of  the  city, 
state  and  nation. 

Two  former  pastors  became  secretaries  of  Church  boards, 
and  if  you  will  scan  the  list  of  its  elders,  deacons  and  trustees, 
you  vi^ill  find  bank  presidents,  leading  merchants,  and  manufac- 
turers, prominent  physicians,  lawyers  and  judges  of  our  courts. 
An  unusually  large  percentage  of  the  Sabbath  school  workers 
and  teachers  of  this  church  are  and  always  have  been  men.  It 
has  often  been  remarked  that  a  larger  number  of  the  officers 
of  the  church  are  active  in  the  Sabbath  school  than  in  most 
churches.  So,  then,  to  speak  of  the  church's  work  is  to  speak 
of  the  men's  work. 

Of  recent  years  there  has  been  a  growing  tendency  to  form 
men  and  women  into  separate  organizations  for  church  work. 
The  introduction  of  this  plan  in  East  Liberty  Church  as  ap- 
plied to  the  men  dates  back  to  April  24,  1891.  At  this  time  a 
Men's  Christian  League  was  formed,  with  twenty-one  mem- 
bers. In  1894  the  membership  had  increased  to  sixty  men. 
The  avowed  objects  of  the  league  were:  to  promote  acquaint- 
ance, to  inspire  a  closer  study  of  the  word  of  God,  and  to 
advance  Christian  work  at  home  and  abroad.  A  chapter  of 
the  Brotherhood  of  Andrew  and  Philip  was  organized  May  20, 
1901.    This  organization  declared  its  intention  to  be  "to  spread 

132 


SERMONS    AND   ADDRESSES 

Christ's  kingdom  among  the  men  of  this  community,"  and  to 
bring  them  within  the  hearing  of  the  Gospel,  by  inducing  them 
to  come  to  church.  This  was  later  succeeded  by  the  Men's 
Brotherhood,  which  still  is  active  in  the  church. 

The  Men's  Brotherhood  has  a  dual  function  also.  First  it 
tries  to  promote  sociability  among  the  men  of  the  congregation 
and  second  to  train  men  in  Bible  study.  The  Brotherhood 
Bible  Class  is  really  the  successor  of  the  Men's  Bible  Class 
started  and  taught  by  Elder  George  S.  Graham,  which  some 
time  after  his  death  was  divided  into  two  classes,  one  of  which 
was  taught  by  Elder  Harry  E.  Thompson  and  the  other  by  Dr. 
A.  S.  Hunter. 

The  Boy  Scout  movement  is  a  late  and  interesting  phase 
of  men's  work.  About  three  years  ago  a  troop  was  organized 
in  the  church  and  is  now  vigorous  and  flourishing.  These 
Scouts  rendered  most  valuable  services  during  the  war  in  many 
ways,  not  the  least  of  which  was  selling  Liberty  Bonds. 

The  business  office  was  opened  in  the  church  in  1904,  and 
has  proven  a  great  convenience  to  the  congregation  and  help 
to  the  church.  Those  who  have  served  in  this  office  are:  Mr. 
R.  R.  M.  Thorne,  Miss  Bertha  Griffith  and  Mr.  A.  W. 
Peterson. 

The  patriotic  spirit  of  the  church  when  we  entered  the 
great  war  quickly  manifested  itself.  The  flag  pole  was  erected 
on  the  church  lawn,  with  appropriate  services,  May  5,  1917, 
and  thousands  gathered  in  the  streets  to  witness  it. 

The  East  Liberty  Red  Cross  Branch  was  organized  March 
27,  1917,  of  which  we  are  all  justly  proud.  A  Thursday 
morning  prayer  meeting  was  started  and  maintained,  the  fruit 
of  which  can  not  be  measured.  One  hundred  twenty  members 
of  the  congregation  entered  the  service  and  wore  the  uniform, 
besides  a  number  of  others  who  served  in  a  voluntary  capacity. 

What  shall  we  say  of  our  women's  work?  A  volume  could 
be  written  on  this  subject.  East  Liberty  Church  would  not  be 
what  it  is  today  but  for  its  noble  women.  The  older  societies 
have  been  mentioned  in  former  historical  sermons  and  in  the 
comprehensive  historical  address  by  Elder  W.  G.  Johnston.  I 
must  be  content  to  mention  the  new  societies  which  have  been 
organized  during  the  present  pastorate.     The  regular  women's 

133 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH 

missionary  societies  have  long  been  a  factor  in  this  church  and 
known  for  their  great  work  throughout  the  Presbytery  and 
Synod.  First,  we  will  mention  the  Ladies'  Aid  Society,  which 
was  organized  November  13,  1909,  at  the  residence  of  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Albert  Schultz.  Mrs.  Charles  S.  Curry  was  elected 
president  with  the  following  vice-presidents:  Mrs.  Wm.  S. 
Flower,  Mrs.  Simon  Cameron  Long,  and  Miss  Sallie  M.  Neg- 
ley.  Miss  Annj^e  Wilson  (Mrs.  W.  F.  Schleiter)  was  elected 
treasurer  and  Miss  Virginia  Schultz  secretary.  Mrs.  Curry 
served  only  until  the  next  meeting,  January  10th,  when,  at  her 
request,  she  was  made  vice-president.  Mrs.  W.  N.  Frew  was 
made  president,  and  Mrs.  Alexander  King,  Honorary  Presi- 
dent. Mrs.  Frew  has  been  kept  in  the  presidency  ever  since, 
and  under  her  leadership  the  society  has  become  a  real  factor  in 
the  life  and  work  of  the  church.  It  has  charge  of  all  socials  and 
decorations  in  the  church.  Since  its  organization  the  society 
has  expended  $4,804.82  in  its  work  for  the  church.  It  has  at 
present  ninety-five  members. 

The  Westminster  Guild  is  a  new  missionary  society,  which 
was  organized  at  the  home  of  Mrs.  Wm.  M.  McKelvy,  in  the 
autumn  of  1914.  This  is  a  national  organization,  and  each 
local  society  is  a  chapter.  Mrs.  George  Arthur  Frantz  was  the 
first  president  and  under  her  spiritual  leadership  the  society 
started  well  and  so  continues.  Miss  Ruth  Satterfield  is  now 
president. 

The  John  R.  McKelvy  Westminster  Circle  is  another 
flourishing  missionary  group,  which  was  started  in  the  fall 
of  1914  by  Miss  Eleanor  Ayers,  and  was  composed  of  the  mem- 
bers of  her  Sunday  School  class.  Miss  Elizabeth  Lyle  is  presi- 
dent. 

The  Women's  League  is  one  of  the  most  comprehensive 
organizations  in  the  church.  It  was  born  of  a  desire  to  bring 
every  member  into  closer  fellowship  in  the  work  of  the  church. 
The  plan  is  to  divide  the  parish  into  sections,  with  a  captain 
over  each  section.  Each  capt;  in  is  supposed  to  keep  in  touch 
with  all  the  church  families  in  her  section.  There  are  eighteen 
of  these  sections  and  eighteen  captains.     Mrs.  Wm.  M.  Mc- 

134 


SERMONS    AND   ADDRESSES 

Kelvy  is  president,  with  the  following  vice-presidents:  Mrs. 
Albert  Duckham,  Mrs.  J.  M.  Pardee,  Mrs.  Will  McLain. 
Mrs.  Charles  M.  Corbit  is  secretary  and  treasurer. 

The  Cheerful  Givers  was  organized  April,  1909,  and  Mrs. 
J.  R.  Paull  has  from  the  first  been  the  leader.  Miss  Sarah  C. 
Mellon  is  now  president  of  this  young  and  vigorous  society. 

One  of  the  most  successful  and  profitable  missionary  enter- 
prises of  the  church  is  yet  to  be  mentioned.  I  refer  to  the  work 
at  Cebu,  Philippine  Islands.  This  station  was  taken  up  by  the 
church  in  1904,  and  it  has  been  a  source  of  joy  and  inspira- 
tion ever  since.  Pentecostal  blessings  seemed  to  descend  on 
this  work  from  the  beginning.  The  first  missionaries  on  the 
field  were  the  Rev.  and  Mrs.  Frederick  Jansen,  Dr.  and  Mrs. 
Graham  soon  following,  then  a  little  later  went  the  Rev. 
George  D.  Dunlap  and  Mrs.  Dunlap,  who  are  now  in  charge 
of  the  work.  Since  its  founding,  the  work  has  extended  until 
now  there  are  many  stations  and  sub-stations.  We  have  been 
especially  fortunate  in  our  helpers  there. 

During  the  present  pastorate  there  have  been  received  into 
the  church  1,741  members,  which  is  a  fraction  over  one  hun- 
dred members  per  year.  There  has  been  contributed  for  all 
purposes,  through  church  channels,  $959,244.97,  which  is  at 
the  rate  of  over  $56,000  per  year. 

But  I  feel  that  it  would  be  unfair  to  consider  these  results 
apart  from  the  past.  Others  have  labored,  and  we  have  en- 
tered into  their  labors.  The  board  of  trustees  is  the  oldest 
board  in  the  congregation,  being  constituted  when  the  property 
was  deeded  one  hundred  years  ago.  One  hundred  eight  men 
have  served  upon  this  board  up  to  the  present  time.  In  this 
list  are  found  the  names  of  some  of  the  most  prominent  business 
men  of  Pittsburgh  in  their  time.  The  members  first  elected 
in  181^  were  Jacob  Negley,  David  Eakin,  Casper  Negley,  John 
Fluck,  AVm.  B.  Foster  and  Samuel  Peebles.  The  present  board 
is  James  R.  Mellon,  H.  W.  Prentis,  Jr.,  R.  E.  Logan,  Charles 
H.  West,  Lewis  W.  Hicks  and  Thomas  Evans,  Two  former 
members  of  this  board  remembered  the  church  in  their  wills: 
Henry  H.  Negley  and  John  F.  Scott.  This  is  a  good  example 
others  might  follow. 

135 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

I  find  no  trace  of  a  board  of  deacons  until  1870,  but  what 
it  lacks  in  age  it  has  made  up  in  efficiency  and  zeal.  Their 
faithful  visitations  of  the  sick  and  needy  have  done  much  to 
make  this  church  beloved  in  this  community.  The  first  dea- 
cons elected  in  1870  were  George  G.  Negley,  Wm.  L.  Denison, 
John  Gilchrist,  Stuart  McKee,  Joseph  Torrens  and  Thomas 
D.  Patterson.  Those  now  serving  the  church  in  this  office  are 
George  E.  Roessing,  E.  C.  Merrill,  W.  J.  Ward,  Lacy  S.  Mc- 
Keever  and  Wm.  M.  Alrich. 

And  now  we  come  to  the  elders.  To  be  chosen  to  this  office 
is  the  highest  honor  a  local  congregation  can  confer  upon  one 
of  its  members.  The  minister  is  ordained  by  the  Presbytery, 
the  ruling  elders  by  the  minister  and  his  session.  The  elders 
have  much  to  do  in  the  making  or  unmaking  of  a  church. 
They  are  the  minister's  cabinet;  they  receive  new  members 
into  the  church,  and  serve  to  the  congregation  the  emblems 
of  the  broken  body  and  shed  blood  of  our  Lord.  Paul's  exhor- 
tation to  the  elders  at  Ephesus  should  ever  be  kept  in  mind  by 
those  who  hold  this  sacred  office:  "Take  heed,  therefore,  unto 
yourselves  and  to  all  the  flock  over  which  the  Holy  Ghost  hath 
made  you  overseers."  To  this  Peter  adds  for  their  encourage- 
ment, "When  the  chief  Shepherd  shall  appear,  ye  shall  receive 
a  crown  of  glory  that  fadeth  not  away."  Forty-four  men  have 
served  the  church  in  this  office. 

The  first  session  was  elected  September  30,  1828,  and  was 
composed  of  Robert  Bailey,  Sr.,  Francis  G.  Bailey  and  James 
Backhouse.  They  must  have  been  godly  men,  for  the  early 
records  show  that  they  often  met  for  prayer  for  themselves  and 
for  the  flock.  The  names  of  the  elders  now  acting  are  S.  E. 
Gill,  James  L  Buchanan,  M.  D.  Shields,  Graham  C.  Wells, 
J.  R.  Paull,  John  Updegraff,  Wm.  H.  Goehring,  J.  J.  Math- 
ews, Frederic  S.  Kellogg,  Harry  E.  Thompson,  George  S.  Cun- 
ningham, J.  McF.  Carpenter,  Charles  A.  Fisher  and  Wm.  N. 
Robinson. 

I  feel  that  I  owe  much  to  the  pastors  who  preceded  me  in 
this  pulpit.  They  are  all  to  me  separate  entities  and  personal 
friends,  though  I  have  never  seen  but  two  of  them.  Those 
whom  I  have  never  seen  I  have  pictured  in  my  mind  from  what 
I  have  learned  from  your  lips.     Dr.  Mcllvaine  is  to  me  a  St. 

136 


ROBERT  HAILKV,  S[}. 
The   First   Elder   1828. 


SERMONS    AND   ADDRESSES 

John  in  character,  unostentatious,  gentle,  tender  and  true.  Dr. 
Gillespie,  vivacious  at  times,  sparkling  and  pre-eminently  a  man 
of  action ;  he  w^as  the  St.  Peter  of  the  group — the  man  who 
must  be  doing  things.  His  mantle  seems  to  have  fallen  upon 
his  beloved  wife,  whom  God  has  so  graciously  spared,  and  who 
is  still  one  of  the  leaders  in  the  work  of  the  good  women  of 
today.  Dr.  Agnew,  strong,  stalwart,  self-reliant ;  his  great 
work  for  the  church  as  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Ministerial 
Relief  is  his  lasting  monument. 

Dr.  Kumler  I  saw  but  thrice,  but  felt  that  I  knew  him  well. 
He  was  a  "Great  Heart."  His  life  was  an  open  book.  This 
is  my  motto  for  him,  "With  malice  toward  none,  with  charity 
for  all."  It  was  during  his  pastorate  that  East  Liberty 
Church  became  a  great  city  church.  He  now  rests  from  his 
labors,  but  his  works  do  follow  him.  It  became  my  sad  duty 
to  preside  at  the  service  when  he  was  laid  away.  As  his  body 
was  borne  up  the  aisle,  this  was  the  feeling  of  that  waiting  con- 
gregation, every  one  of  which  was  a  mourner:  a  prince  of 
God  has  fallen.  Soon  he  was  followed  by  his  beloved  wife. 
Mrs.  Kumler  was  a  born  leader,  and  she  left  her  impress  upon 
this  church  and  community  in  the  constructive  work  she  ac- 
complished. 

I  had  hoped  to  escape  such  reflections  of  sadness  in  this  ser- 
mon, but  it  is  impossible.  Once  a  pastor  touches  this  fountain, 
it  gushes  forth  and  cannot  be  stayed.  It  is  impossible  at  a  time 
like  this  to  be  unmindful  of  those  with  whom  we  have  labored, 
and  whose  help  and  fellowship  has  been  to  us  an  inspiration. 

Beloved,  do  you  realize  that  three  hundred  twenty-two 
members  of  this  church  have  gone  to  their  heavenly  home  in 
the  past  seventeen  years  ?  There  are  left  but  four  of  the  elders 
who  signed  the  call  you  extended  to  me  seventeen  years  ago, 
and  but  three  remain  in  this  church.  The  list  reads  as  fol- 
lows: George  A.  Kelly,  H.  W.  Fulton,  C.  H.  Riggs,  W.  A. 
Edeburn,  Jas.  B.  Lyon,  Thomas  C.  Lazear,  John  M.  Pardee, 
Thomas  D.  Davis,  Wm.  P.  Potter,  S.  E.  Gill,  M.  D.  Shields, 
James  Boyle,  and  J.  I.  Buchanan. 

The  following  have  served  as  assistants  to  the  pastor:  The 
Rev.  Victor  Bucher,  J.  R.  Hainer,  the  Rev.  George  A.  Frantz, 
the  Rev.  George  M.  Duff  and  the  Rev.  H.  A.  Gearhart.     Two 

137 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

of  the  trustees  who  signed  the  call,  Mr.  Henry  H.  Negley  and 
Mr.  Daniel  H.  Wallace,  have  also  been  laid  to  rest.  The  fol- 
lowing deacons  in  this  period  have  died:  John  Gilchrist,  Jacob 
P.  Young,  S.  A.  Dickie  and  Wm.  T.  Lantz. 

I  wish  I  had  time  to  refer  to  others  who  have  performed  well 
their  part,  for  they  are  many.  I  am  sure  you  will  pardon  me 
if  I  do  pause  to  mention  the  following.  Since  1865,  more  than 
half  a  century,  the  care  of  this  property  has  been  in  the  hands 
of  one  family.  John  Grounds,  Sr.,  took  up  his  duties  July  5, 
1865;  and  John  Grounds,  Jr.,  took  up  the  task  where  his 
father  laid  it  down.  John  was  baptized  by  Dr.  Mcllvaine, 
and  has  served  under  every  pastor  this  church  has  had.  He  is 
at  the  present  the  faithful  helper  of  us  all.  Of  one  more  I 
must  speak,  Mr.  James  Stephen  Martin.  For  seventeen  years 
be  served  as  leader  of  the  choir  with  faithfulness  and  great  dis- 
tinction, and  is  now  gone  to  his  heavenly  rest. 

And  now  we  are  back  from  the  visit  to  the  village  of  pioneer 
days.  We  have  in  a  way  passed  through  the  experiences  of  the 
intervening  years,  and  realize  ourselves  once  more  living  in  a 
great  metropolis,  which  has  overgrown  the  village  lying  to  the 
east.  The  town  of  seven  thousand  we  saw  nestling  in  the 
forest  is  now  a  center  of  commerce.  One-half  the  population 
of  the  United  States  is  within  about  a  night's  ride  of  the  Pitts- 
burgh of  today.  But  the  most  important  thing  about  this  city 
is  not  its  mills  and  its  commerce,  but  its  morals  and  its  religion. 
It  was  Carlyle  who  said  a  man's  religion  is  the  chief  fact  in  his 
life.  The  same  is  true  of  a  community  and  a  nation.  If  you 
don't  believe  it,  take  a  ride  from  Giant's  Causeway  to  South 
Ireland.  In  the  south  the  soil  is  warm  and  the  air  balmy.  In 
the  north,  the  land  is  scant  and  the  bogs  cold.  But  the  north 
is  prosperous  and  happy;  the  south  is  best  known  for  its  pov- 
erty and  discontent. 

Thank  God  for  the  men  and  women  who  laid  the  founda- 
tions of  this  church  and  for  the  faithful  workers  who  have  suc- 
ceeded them  from  generation  to  generation.  We  must  strength- 
en what  they  began,  and  pass  on  the  torch  which  they  lighted 
and  committed  to  our  hands.  The  responsibility  resting  upon 
us  is  very  great.  The  world  is  trembling  under  the  blow  of 
a  great  war.    It  needs  the  steadying  hand  of  religion.    Armies 

138 


JOHN   GROUNDS,   JR. 


SERMONS    AND    ADDRESSES 

can  resist  armies,  but  no  mere  external  force,  however  great, 
can  stay  the  tide  of  social  unrest  and  of  moral  disorder  which 
now  threatens  the  world.  These  can  only  be  checked  by  some 
inward  working  power  which  changes  the  hearts  of  men.  This 
is  the  work  of  the  Church  and  the  mission  of  her  Gospel. 
Men,  you  who  love  the  habitation  of  God's  house,  this  is  the 
time  to  strengthen  the  Church.  She  has  a  great  task  before 
her.     She  cannot  fail,  but  we  may  miss  our  opportunity. 

"We  are  living,  we  are  dwelling, 
In  a  grand  and  awful  time ; 
In  an  age,  on  ages  telling 
To  be  living  is  sublime." 


i.^Q 


Women's  Work 


WOMEN'S  WORK 

By  Mrs.  William  M.  McKelvy 

[OMEN'S  Work  of  the  East  Liberty  Presbyterian 
jChurcli  began  with  the  very  inception  of  the 
church,  even  in  the  neighborhood  prayer  meetings 
jheld  in  those  early  days,  when  Grandmother  Bar- 
bara Anna  Negley  herself  was  often  the  leader.  Anything 
planted  with  prayer  is  very  sure  to  grow,  and  we  can  follow 
the  devotion  of  the  women  to  the  church  all  down  through 
the  days  of  spinning  and  the  "quilting  bees"  to  the  present 
time.  Mrs.  Pears  has  admirably  set  this  forth  in  her  "History 
of  Woman's  Work"  given  at  our  Centennial  Celebration.  Each 
succeeding  generation  has  added  its  chapter.  What  a  glorious 
record  it  has  been!  Can  you  not  picture  those  early  sewings, 
held  for  the  benefit  of  the  poor  in  the  country  round  about  or 
the  missionary  afar  ofi — meetings  where  the  best  pattern  for 
underwear  or  aprons  was  decided  upon,  and  where  good  sensi- 
ble clothes  were  fashioned,  much  of  the  work  being  done  by 
hand .'' 

Sewing  circles  and  missionary  boxes  came  along  hand  in 
hand.  So  urgent  was  the  need  and  so  effective  this  special 
work,  that  it  was  with  great  difficulty  the  young  women 
established  their  right  to  divide  their  time  and  money  and  work 
for  Foreign  Missions  as  well  as  for  Home  Missions.  It  is 
interesting  to  note  that  even  in  the  years  gone  by,  the  young 
people  felt  the  need  of  educating  their  elders,  and  their  man- 
ner of  doing  so  only  proves  the  truth  of  the  saying,  "There  is 
nothing  new  under  the  sun."  It  was  at  this  time  a  tract  en- 
titled "Not  for  the  Heathen  Merely,"  fell  into  the  hands  of 
one  of  the  young  ladies.  So  exactly  did  it  set  forth  her  ideas 
that  she  telegraphed  for  enough  copies  to  place  one  in  each 
pew  the  following  Sabbath  morning.  We  are  assured  that 
such  a  high-handed  method  of  education  created  quite  a  sensa- 
tion. How  many  times  since  has  this  fearless  young  woman's 
example  been  copied ! 

For  all  information  along  financial  lines  I  refer  you  to  the 

143 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

financial  tables  in  this  volume.  You  will  find  that  the  women 
have  always  accompanied  their  gifts  of  time  and  labor  with 
the  gift  of  gold. 

Woman's  work  became  a  separate  organization  about  1870, 
since  which  time  all  work  has  been  conducted  along  the  meth- 
ods of  the  Church  at  large,  methods  approved  of  by  the  General 
Assembly,  and  handed  down  to  the  churches  through  the  Synod 
and  Presbytery  alike. 

PVom  a  single  woman's  society  the  work  has  expanded  until 
now  every  age  has  been  provided  for.  It  long  ago  became 
evident  that  the  continuation  of  missionary  work  in  the  future 
would  depend  upon  the  children  of  today,  while  the  conviction 
that  such  work  was  in  accord  with  Christ's  plan  to  redeem  a 
lost  world,  was  so  strong  that  the  women  soon  turned  their 
attention  to  organizing  the  children's  department.  Mrs.  Daniel 
Wallace  was  our  pioneer  in  this  line.  In  1874  she  organized 
the  "Buds  of  Promise."  This  oldest  band  in  our  church,  made 
up  of  the  little  children,  has  continued  ever  since.  Not  a 
winter  slips  by  without  gathering  the  little  folk  together  to 
teach  them  "Missions"  and  all  that  missions  stand  for.  Al- 
ready its  members  are  grown  into  ministers  and  missionaries, 
both  home  and  foreign,  and  noble  men  and  women  from  the 
Atlantic  to  the  Pacific  can  look  back  to  the  "Buds  of  Promise" 
as  the  first  place  where  the  desire  to  work  for  and  with  Christ 
was  planted  in  their  hearts.  "Men  may  come  and  men  may 
go,"  but  let  us  hope  that  the  "Buds  of  Promise"  will  go  on 
forever.  Mrs.  J.  H.  McKelvy  has  been  the  leader  of  these 
little  people  for  fully  twenty  years,  while  Mrs.  Charles  Curry 
has  been  her  efficient  assistant. 

Realizing  that  Buds  will  bloom,  and  that  more  efficient 
work  can  be  accomplished  with  children  if  they  are  advanced 
from  grade  to  grade,  our  little  Buds  became  "Gospel  Bells," 
"Little  Helpers,"  "Missionary  Stars,"  and  "Little  Jewels." 
At  a  later  date  the  "Cradle  Roll"  and  "Little  Light  Bearers" 
were  organized.  These  bands  never  held  regular  meetings,  but 
anyone  who  ever  attended  "Cradle  Roll  Afternoon"  at  the 
church  could  never  forget  those  "Baby  Parties,"  where  the  wee 
tots  were  admired  and  given  animal  crackers  and  milk,  while 
those  able  to  toddle  about  were  amused  by  Mrs.  R.  W.  Patter- 

144 


SERMONS    AND   ADDRESSES 

son  and  her  helpers.  These  were  given  lady  fingers  and  gela- 
tine. They  were  the  fountainhead  from  which  the  "Buds" 
grew. 

Being  inspired  and  encouraged  by  Mrs.  Kumler,  the  pas- 
tor's wife,  who  believed  that  the  truth  taught  in  the  class  on 
Sabbath  morning  should  find  a  way  to  become  practical  during 
the  week,  and  also  that  children  should  early  be  taught  the 
church  was  theirs  to  work  for  as  well  as  love  and  cherish,  the 
missionary  women  who  had  Sabbath  school  classes  formed  their 
classes  into  missionary  circles  and  bands.  Many  lasted  for  a 
time,  and  are  no  more,  but  who  can  measure  the  good  they 
accomplished  ?  Among  them  we  find  "The  Obey  Band,"  "The 
Golden  Rule,"  "The  Co-Workers,"  "In  His  Name  Band," 
"The  Cheerful  Givers,"  and  the  "King's  Daughters."  Where 
are  they  today?  Look  about  you.  They  are  men  and  women, 
possibly  you  yourself  are  one.  The  "Mizpah  Band"  dates 
back  to  1881.  But  there  closely  follows  the  "Nellie  Cuthbert 
Band,"  Miss  Castner's  "Class  Circle,"  "The  Happer  Band," 
and  the  "Pansy  Band."  The  efforts  put  forth  by  the  members 
of  these  circles  in  supplying  the  church  members  with  neatly 
hemmed  wash  cloths,  dusters  and  home-made  candy  were  only 
a  forerunner  of  the  larger  efforts  they  are  now  putting  forth 
in  their  grown-up  world.  The  "Earnest  Workers,"  under  the 
leadership  of  Miss  Lizzie  Liggett,  aspired  to  more  ornate 
work,  and  they  supplied  missionaries,  and  even  their  pastor's 
wife,  with  beautiful  silk  quilts,  patched  by  their  own  hands, 
while  they  set  the  whole  congregation  to  work  gathering  and 
tying  up  canceled  stamps,  one  hundred  in  a  package.  Their 
aim  was  one  million,  a  figure  rarely  mentioned  in  the  year  1886. 

The  ingenuity  of  the  various  bands  was  displayed  in  the 
variety  of  ways  in  which  they  secured  the  coveted  sum.  "The 
Signet  Circle,"  of  lasting  memory,  brought  out  a  "Church 
spoon."  The  church  was  engraved  in  the  bowl,  while  the  bust 
of  the  pastor.  Dr.  Kumler,  in  bas-relief  adorned  the  handle, 
together  with  the  names  of  all  former  pastors.  That  spoon 
brought  in  fine  returns. 

Mrs.  S.  E.  Gill,  of  sainted  memory,  was  sponsor  for  the 
"Henry  Band."  Some  of  our  best  church  workers  today  were 
members  of  this  band.     Space  forbids  me  to  go  into  details  of 

145 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY  PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH 

these  organizations,  but  the  lives  of  their  membership  being 
lived  today  make  us  realize  that  "as  the  twig  is  bent,  the  tree 
is  inclined." 

You  must  not  think  that  the  women  organized  only  girls' 
work.  The  boys  and  girls  together  were  "Little  Light  Bear- 
ers," "Stars,"  "Jewels,"  "Bells,"  and  "Buds,"  but  what  boy 
grown  to  the  mature  age  of  ten  or  twelve  would  continue  a 
member  of  a  girls'  circle  ?  The  women  would  not  ask  it.  So  the 
boys  were  given  blue  uniforms  with  real  brass  buttons  on  them, 
and  guns  that  were  not  real,  and  formed  them  into  "Missionary 
Cadets"  and  "Missionary  Brigades."  They  drilled  and 
marched  and  helped  to  make  our  missionary  entertainments 
exciting  affairs  with  real  warlike  exhibitions.  Mrs.  John  M. 
Pardee  was  the  leader  of  a  splendid  boys'  work.  They  were 
the  "King's  Messengers."  Mrs.  S.  S.  Gilson,  as  well  as  Miss 
Jane  Rea  and  Miss  Buchanan,  had  fine  groups  of  larger  boys 
who  graduated  into  true  manhood. 

There  are  today  in  the  church  working  along  missionary 
lines  the  Woman's  Foreign  and  the  Woman's  Home  Mission- 
ary Societies,  "The  Monday  Evening  Society,"  a  strong  or- 
ganization enabling  all  who  cannot  attend  the  afternoon  meet- 
ings to  enjoy  this  same  Christian  service.  The  "FidehV  auxil- 
iary has  been  a  potent  force  in  our  midst  since  1888.  Mrs.  H. 
C.  Ayers  has  been  its  efficient  leader.  Mrs.  Joseph  R.  Paull, 
herself  a  "Signet  Circle"  graduate,  has  charge  of  our  "Cheerful 
Givers"  and  we  are  watching  with  interest  their  rapid  growth 
into  Christian  womanhood  and  missionary  leadership. 

Our  "Junior  Westminster  Guild"  is  the  outgrowth  of  the 
"J.  R.  McKelvy"  band,  and  is  under  the  direction  of  Miss 
Eleanor  Ayers.  They  will  again  graduate  into  the  West- 
minster Guild,  Katherine  McCune  Chapter,  for  the  members 
of  this  chapter  are  fast  becoming  the  women  of  the  church. 

Besides  these  we  have  adult  Bible  classes  doing  splendid 
missionary  work  in  connection  with  our  Sabbath  school,  and 
the  Buds  of  Promise  before  mentioned. 

As  missionary  work  is  the  most  important  work  of  the 
church,  I  have  given  it  the  first  place,  but  the  women  have 
taken  a  leading  part  in  all  other  branches.  When  our  new 
church  was  being  built,  the  women  decided  to  raise  funds  to 

146 


SERMONS   AND   ADDRESSES 

furnish  the  building.  A  "Woman's  Exchange"  was  organized 
and  splendid  results  obtained  through  its  efficient  management. 
Much  in  the  church  today  is  the  result  of  that  organization. 

Many  years  ago  Fridays  were  set  apart  as  church  days.  The 
PViday  afternoon  meeting  is  such  an  established  fact  that  the 
church  bell  is  rung  for  it,  the  same  as  for  church  services. 
Two  afternoons  of  the  month  the  church  itself  and  its  own 
needs  are  the  subject,  but  the  first  Friday  is  always  a  Home 
Missionary  meeting  and  the  third  Friday  a  Foreign  Missionary 
meeting.  As  we  look  back  over  these  Fridays  no  one  stands 
out  more  clearly  in  our  memory  than  those  devoted  to  "All 
Day  Sewings,"  days  when  our  pet  dishes  were  brought  for 
luncheon  and  revealed  such  wonderful  culinary  ability  in  our 
midst  that  the  combined  luncheon  was  indeed  fit  for  a  queen. 
Work  accomplished  on  these  days  made  many  Home  Mission- 
ary homes  more  comfortable.  Home  Missionary  schools  better 
equipped,  and  our  own  city  hospitals  rejoice  over  generous  dona- 
tions of  materials  and  handwork,  while  the  ingathering,  every 
fall,  of  jellies,  jams  and  preserves  bespoke  well  for  our  own 
thrift  and  generosity. 

On  November  13th,  1909,  it  was  deemed  expedient  to 
organize  a  special  department  for  this  work.  A  meeting  was 
held  at  the  residence  of  Mrs.  Albert  L.  Schultz,  and  "The 
Ladies'  Aid  Society"  came  into  being.  Mrs.  Alexander  King 
was  elected  honorary  president,  Mrs.  W.  N.  Frew,  president; 
Mrs.  S.  C.  Curry,  Mrs.  W.  S.  Flower,  Mrs.  C.  S.  Long  and 
Miss  Sallie  M.  Negley,  vice-presidents.  Miss  Annye  Wilson 
(Mrs.  W,  F.  Schleiter),  treasurer,  and  Miss  Virginia  Schultz, 
secretary. 

Our  church  membership  has  been  districted  by  the  Women's 
League,  with  captains  over  each  district;  through  these  cap- 
tains the  entire  membership  can  be  reached  without  delay. 
During  a  series  of  revival  meetings  in  1917,  noon  meetings 
were  held  each  day  at  the  church  and  luncheon  was  provided 
by  the  various  districts  under  the  management  of  the  captain. 
They  also  arrange  for  district  prayer  meetings. 

Women's  work  in  the  church  embraces  Auxiliaries  in  the 

147 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

"McCall  Mission,"  the  Waldensian  work,  while  we  are  also 
affiliated  with  the  "Sabbath  Day  Alliance"  and  the  Temperance 
work. 

In  time  past  whenever  there  have  been  revival  services,  the 
women  have  held  separate  morning  prayer  meetings  continuing 
throughout  the  series,  no  matter  how  long  they  lasted. 

Mrs.  Pears  has  told  you  of  our  War  Work  in  1861.  The 
patriotism  of  the  women  of  that  day  has  never  been  relaxed. 
During  the  Spanish- American  War  in  1898  our  church  was 
at  once  thrown  open,  sewing  machines  brought  in,  and  the  East 
Liberty  Church  women  answered  every  call  that  was  sent  out. 
We  thought  they  were  strenuous  days,  but  who  that  looks  back 
upon  them  remembers  aught  but  the  social  enjoyments,  the 
cheery  episodes  and  the  joy  of  the  feeling  that  a  duty  was  well 
done. 

What  can  be  said  of  the  Great  War !  Everyone  who  reads 
this  has  had  a  part  in  that.  Realizing  that  the  call  to  the  colors 
was  national,  and  that  the  "Red  Cross"  would  be  the  national 
organization  to  render  aid  and  relief  both  at  home  and  abroad, 
our  church  flung  its  doors  wide  open  to  this  organization. 
Located  in  the  center  of  the  East  Liberty  district  and  having 
ample  facilities  to  carry  on  the  work,  it  came  to  be  the  head- 
quarters in  East  Liberty  for  Red  Cross  work. 

An  invitation  was  sent  to  the  churches  throughout  the  dis- 
trict to  meet  at  the  church  March  27,  1917.  Representatives 
from  ten  churches  responded.  A  nominating  committee  sub- 
mitted the  following  ticket,  which  was  duly  elected:  Honor- 
ary president,  Mr.  James  L  Buchanan;  president,  Mrs.  Wm. 
N.  Frew;  vice-presidents,  Mrs.  W.  B.  Brenneman,  Mrs.  A.  P. 
Burchfield,  Mrs.  John  H.  Leete,  Mrs.  James  Stephen  Martin, 
Mrs.  R.  B.  Mellon,  Mrs.  A.  L.  Kidner,  Mrs.  W.  M.  Mc- 
Kelvy ;  secretary.  Miss  Vera  Hamilton ;  treasurer.  Miss  Jean 
McKinney.  From  the  moment  of  organization  our  church  was 
always  open  to  the  workers,  and  not  one  week  slipped  by  with- 
out our  sending  to  headquarters  a  full  quota  of  supplies.  The 
cordial  way  in  which  the  members  of  other  denominations 
came  into  our  midst  and  worked  will  always  be  a  pleasure  to 
remember.  We  claim  no  credit  which  does  not  equally  belong 
to  our   friends   in   the   Emory  Methodist   Episcopal    Church, 

148 


SERMONS    AND    ADDRESSES 

Bethany  Lutheran,  the  Tabernacle  Presbyterian  Church,  High- 
land Avenue  Presbyterian  Church,  St.  Marks  Church,  Shady 
Avenue  Presbyterian  Church  and  St.  Andrews  Episcopal 
Church. 

When  the  work  was  ended  the  final  count  was  115,163 
surgical  supplies,  6,781  knitted  garments,  25,404  hospital  sup- 
plies and  1,012  Christmas  packages.  The  large  results  in  sur- 
gical supplies  were  rendered  possible  by  the  use  of  The  Run- 
nette  Board,  designed  and  patented  by  Mrs.  J.  H.  Runnette, 
a  member  of  our  own  church  and  of  the  East  Liberty  Branch 
of  the  Red  Cross. 

The  women  of  the  East  Liberty  Church  took  a  prominent 
part  in  every  drive  and  campaign  for  funds,  and  were  to  be 
found  at  work  in  every  department  of  the  war  organization. 
Our  women  were  out  upon  the  far-flung  battle  front,  they 
were  to  be  found  in  prominent  positions  as  well  as  ignominous 
positions  behind  the  scenes  here  at  home,  all  alike  being  impelled 
to  do  their  uttermost  for  love  of  Christ  and  country,  who  has 
blessed  us  above  many  in  the  privilege  of  opportunity. 

Throughout  the  war  a  special  prayer  service  was  held  each 
Thursday  morning  under  the  direction  of  Miss  H.  J.  McCay. 
We  met  in  our  ladies'  parlor,  a  place  we  have  learned  to  love 
as  the  place  to  pour  out  our  hearts  in  prayer  and  praise,  in 
thanksgiving  and  adoration. 

Let  the  coming  generations  think  carefully  before  neglecting 
the  "Women's  Work"  in  this  East  Liberty  Presbyterian 
Church.  The  century  past  has  bequeathed  to  us  a  legacy 
weighted  with  necessity  and  opportunity.  We  accept  it  loyally, 
with  humility  and  with  the  prayer  that  God  will  be  able  to  seal 
our  efforts  with  his  own  approbation. 


149 


Finance 


A  CENTURY  OF  FINANCE 

By  Mrs.  J.  H.  Runnette 

Women's 

Congregational  General        Societies,  Total 

Expenses*  Bcnevolencest    Bands,  Receipts 
Etct 

1818-1828  -  -  $     l,561.62y2  $     1,561.62^2 

1828-1829  -  -  378.00  378.00 

1829-1830  -  -  560.89  560.8'J 

1830-1831  -  -  411.25  411.25 

1831-1832  -  -  305.35  305.35 

1832-1833  -  -  292.41  292.41 

1833-1834  -  -  779.96^/2  779.961/3 

1834-1835  -  -  483.25  483.25 

1835-1836  -  -  671.87^/2  671.87^2 

1836-1839  -  -  1,414.09V4  1,414.09^/4 

1839-1841  -  -  685.90  685.90 

1841-1842  -  -  546.00  546.00 

1843-1844  -  -  380.08  380.08 

1845  -  -  -  -  516.21  516.21 

1846  -  -  -  -  551.61  551.61 

1847  -  -  -  -  3,113.44  3,113.44 

1848  -  -  -  -  545.41  545.41 

1849  -  -  -  -  2,820.60  2,820.60 

1850  -  -  -  -  2,337.53  2,337.53 

1851  -  -  -  -  1,068.04  1,068.04 

1852  -  -  -  -  539.99  539.99 

1853  -  -  -  -  593.64  593.64 

1854  -  -  -  -  677.97  677.97 

1855  -  -  -  -  557.90  557.90 

1856  -  -  -  -  768.87  768.87 

1857  -  -  -  -  596.60  596.60 

1858  -  -  -  -  930.48  930.48 

1859  -  -  -  -  886.19  886.19 

1860  -  -  -  -  750.00  750.00 

1861  -  -  -  -  631.92  631.92 

1862  -  -  -  -  13,174.60  13,174.60 

1863  -  -  -  -  666.24  666.24 

1864  -  -  -  -  1,109.00  1,109.00 

1865  -  -  -  -  6,394.91  6,394.91 

1866  -  -  -  -  5,000.00  5,000.00 

1867  -  -  -  -  5,594.63  5,594.63 

1868  -  -  -  -  3,925.07  3,925.07 

1869  -  -  -  -  5,034.89  5,034.89 

1870  -  -  -  -  9,349.56  9,349.56 

153 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 


A  CENTURY  OF  FINANCE— Continued 

Wonaen's 

Congregational     General        Societies,  Total 

Expenses*  Benevolencest    Bands,  Receipts 
Etct 

1871  -     -     -     -  4,420.63  4,420.63 

1872  -     -     -     -  7,782.94  7,782.94 

1873  -     -     -     -  5,364.00  „ 5,364.00 

1874-1875       -     -  9,113.01  9,113.01 

1876  -     -     -     -  5,523.00  5,523.00 

1877  -     -     -     -  4,480.00  4,480.00 

1878  -     -     -     -  4,787.12 4,787.12 

1879  -     -     -     -  12,575.41             2,990.26            filO.OO  16,075.67 

1880  -     -     -  7,935.42             5,987.12            601.51  14,524.05 

1881  -     -     -     -  5,334.31             7,980.11            C32.37  13,946.79 

1882  -     -     -     -  7,300.89             4,932.15            813.70  13,046.74 

1883  -     -     -     -  5,604.70            4,140.67         l,tS3.94  10,829.31 

1884  -     -     -     -  7,692.51             7.089.68         1,069.78  15,851.97 

1885  -     -     -     -  6,495.09           11,570.00         1,232.23  19,297.32 

1886  -     -     -     -  6,415.74            4,847.73         1,575.69  12,839.16 

1887  -     -     -     -  120,154.00           13,129.55         1,809.71  135,093.26 

1888  -     -     -     -  126,096.17             7,759.58         2,2?  5.67  136,071.42 

1889  -     -     -     -  34,875.67             7,781.96         2,^82.80  45,040.43 

1890  -     -     -     -  26,062.88           10,787.91         2,3  J  7.68  39,168.47 

1891  -     -     -     -  17,137.88             9,047.42         2,794.04  28,979.34 

1892  -     -     -     -  14,005.38             9,411.05         2.665.58  26,082.01 

1893  -     -     -     -  21,441.34            9,893.02         3,?26.66  34,661.02 

1894  -     -     -     -  14,427.03           14,685.74         3,427.80  32,540.57 

1895  -     -     -     -  22,359.16             8,749.27         3,683.57  34,792.00 

1896  -     -     -     -  17,743.10           17,990.39        4,' 35.97  39,849.46 

1897  -     -     -     -  17,381.98           12,026.44         3,819.34  33,227.76 

1898  -     -     -     -  16,345.95           11,936.83         3.796.69  32,079.47 

1899  -     -     -     -  15,509.83           10,905.42         3,796.28  30,211.53 

1900  -     -     -     -  17,102.70           13,673.20         4,505.31  35,081.21 

1901  -     -     -     -  15,709.29           10,457.37         4,118.07  30,284.73 

1902  -     -     -     -  26,827.23           11,330.80         3,853.18  42,011.21 

1903  -     -     -     -  35,182.42           19,319.21         4,550.48  59,052.11 

1904  -     -     -     -  19,557.30           16,477.52         3,647.01  39,681.83 

1905  -     -     -     -  22,789.91  24,183.54         3,7i5.78  50,689.23 

1906  -     -     -     -  26,223.81  26,779.40         3,6?8.70  56,641.91 

1907  -     -     -     -  23,349.71  24,719.64        4,214.98  52,284.33 

1908  -     -     -     -  20,541.34  24,689.29         3,288.81  48,519.44 

1909  -     -     -     -  20,768.43           16,455.35         3,285.02  40,508.80 

1910  -     .     -     -  29,232.71           19,578.59         3,781.31  52,592.61 

1911  ....  23,374.40           19,377.61         4,711.23  47,463.24 

1912  -     -     -     -  21,725.44  20,646.64        3,893.39  46,265.47 

1913  ....  21,035.08  39,610.40         5,'5^5.29  66,040.77 

154 


FINANCE 

A  CENTURY  OF  FINANCE— Continued 

Women's 
Congregational     General        Societies,  Total 

Expenses*  Benevolencest    Bauds,  Receipts 
Etcvt 

1914  -     -     -     -         22,976.36  79,224.04        4,387.55  106,587.95 

1915  -     -     -     -         24,593.05  31,721.58         4,i74.87  60,489.50 

1916  -     -     -     -         28,228.75  34,662.74         5,253.93  68,145.42 

1917  .     _     .     .         23,013.34  28,271.80         6,903.05  58,188.19 

1918  -     -     -     -        23,342.24  21,715.28         6,i02.32  51,159.84 

1919  _     -     .     .        20,595.33           15,987.79         6,700.07  43,283.19 
1919  Centennial  Endowment  Fund  $  100,789.83 

Grand  total   $2,038,045.35% 

*Under  this  bead  are  all  amounts  received  for  oiher  than  benevolent 
objects. 

Tin  this  column  are  grouped  regular  and  special  collections  of  the 
church  and  Sabbath  school,  Kemerer  scholarship  fund,  Christian 
Endeavor  Societies  and  special  oflEerings. 

tWomen's  Societies,  Bands,  etc.,  indicate  all  offerings  received  from 
these  sources,   including  the   Ladies'   Aid   Society. 

The  exceptionally  large  amounts  in  certain  years  in  the  Congrega- 
tional Expense  column  include  sums  raised  for  the  erection  of  new 
buildings. 

The  early  records  being  incomplete,  the  above  is  presented  as  an 
approximately  correct  statement. 

After  almost  a  century's  experience  with  the  pew  rent  and  other 
systems,  the  East  Liberty  Presbyterian  Church  hnally,  after  careful 
investigation  and  study  of  the  entire  plan  of  raising  money,  both  for 
expenses  of  the  church  and  for  the  various  bentvolences  thereof,  on 
July  1,  1909,  adopted  the  A'oluntary  pledge  system.  Pledge  cards 
were  given  to  each  member  on  which  they  were  asked  to  state  the 
amounts  they  were  willing  to  contribute  for  congregational  expenses 
and  benevolent  funds,  and  envelopes  were  furnished  to  contain  the 
amounts.  At  that  time  approximately  two-thirds  of  the  membership 
contributed  their  quota,  thus  manifesting  general  approval  of  the 
plan. 

We  have  now  had  ten  years'  experience  with  the  voluntary  pledge 
system,  and  believe  that  if  the  system  is  energetically  handled,  it  is 
superior  to  the  old  idea  of  pew-renting  and  more  democratic,  and 
gives  ever}'  member  an  opportunitj'  to  do  his  share  in  the  support 
of  the  church  and  its  work,  and  thus  distributes  the  burden  more 
equally  among  all  the  congregation,  instead  of  allowing  a  few  mem- 
bers to  carry  the  greater  portion  of  the  load. 


155 


Organizations 


ORGANIZATIONS 


LIST  OF  PASTORS 


Name  Began  Stated  Installed 

Service 

April  20,  1830 
April  26,  1865 

Rev.  Benj.  L.  Agnew,  D.D.,  LL.D  Dec.  3,  1382  Dec.  17,  1882 
Rev.  J.  P.  E.  Kumler,  D.D.,  LL.D.  Sept.  26,  1884  Oct.  9,  1884 
Rev,  Frank  W.  Sneed,  D.D.     -     -    March  29,  1902        April  22,  1902 


Rev.  Wm.  B.  McIlvaine,  D.  D. 
Rev.  John  Gillespie,  D.  D.    - 


Began  Stated- 
Service 

June,  1829 
April  26,  1865 


Name 
Rev.  Wm.  B.  McIlvaine,  D.  D. 
Rev.  John  Gillespie,  D.  D.    - 


Rev  Benj.  L.  Agnew,  D.D.,  LL.D. 

Rev.  J.  P.  E,  Kumler,  D.D.,  LL.D.     April  1,  1901 

Rev.  Frank  W.  Sneed,  D.D.    -    - 


Pastoral   Relations    Dissolved 
April  21,  1870 
As  Co-Pastor  until   1870 
Dissolved  Jan.   9,   1882 
April  23,  1834 


Robert  Bailej-,   Sr. 
James  Backhouse 
Fiancis  G.  Bailey 
John  Barr 
Henry  W.   Lang 
Wm.  N.  Burchfield 
Thomas  McCleary 
George  A.  Berry 
W.  C.  Reiter,  M.D. 
Thomas  Aiken 
James  B.  Lyon 
Robert  C.  Totten 
Lemuel    Spahr 
Robert  Dickey 
Wm.   G.  Johnston 


LIST  OF  ELDERS 

Francis   B.   McConnell 
Thos.   C.   Lazear 
Albert  A.  Gettjs 
Wm.   C.  Stewart 
Thos.  D.  Davis,  M.D. 
H.  W.  Fulton,  M.D. 
James  Boyle 
Wm.   A.   Edeburn 
Samuel   E.   Gill 
Chas.   H.  Riggs 
M.  D.  Shields 
Henry   C.   Ayers 
James  I.  Buchanan 
George  A.  Kelly 
John   M.   Pardee 


James  Dickson 
Hon,  Wm.  P.  Potter 
George  S.  Graham 
Graham  C.  Wells 
Joseph  R.  Paul! 
John  Updegraff 
Harry  E.  Thompson 
Frederic  S.  Kellogg,  M.D. 
Wm.   H.  Goehring 
Joseph  J.  Mathews 
Hon.  J.  McF.  Carpenter 
Wm.  M.  Robinson 
Geo.  S.  Cunningham,  M.D. 
Chas.  A.  Fisher 


George  G.  Negley 
William  L.  Denison 
John   Gilchrist 
Stewart    McKee 
Joseph  Torrens 
Thos.  D.  Patterson 
Jacob  Negley 
John  Allen 


LIST  OF  DEACONS 

John  Lusk 
Isaiah  K.  Becker 
Louis  A.  Denison 
Harry  C.  Lucas 
Walter    Armitage 
William  J.  Ward 
Jacob   P.   Young 
S.  A.  Dickie 


E.  C.  Merrill 
Wm.  T.  Lantz 
Geo.  B.  Roessing 
Gf'orge  Hubbard 
Lacy   S.   McKeever 
Wm.  J.  McMannis 
William  M.  Alrich 
John  Russell  Ross 


159 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH 


Jacob  Negley,  Sr. 
David  Eakin 
Casper  Negley 
John   Fluck 
Wm.   B.   Foster 
Samuel   Peebles 
John    Kennedy 
David   Irwin 
Ephraim   Jordan 
G'.'orge  Wolf 
Jacob    Negley,    Jr. 
Fred  Fluck 
Baptist  McCombs 
John  Roup 
John  Ferree 
John  Gibson 
Daniel  Negley 
Abraham  Reimer 
John  Dahlem 

A.  F.  Gore 
Francis  G.  Bailey 
Joseph   Backhouse 
Robert   Bailey 
Sol  Berlin 

John  Patterson 
John  McClintock 
Nicholas  Dahlem 
John  Barr 

B.  A.  Fahnestock 
Thomas  McCleary 
A.   Mitchell 
Thomas  Davison 
Dr.  Robert  Wilson 
Henry   W.   Lang 
W.  N.  Burchfield 
W'llliam  Joyce 


LIST  OF  TRUSTEES 
Thomas  Aiken 
Wm.  McLane 
Phinias  Reynolds 
Robert  Baxter 
Hugh  Himbel right 
James   M.   Burchfield 
George   G.   Negley 
Lafayette    Winebiddle 
Moses  Phillips 

B.  L.  Spahr 
George  McWilliams 
Washington  Kaugh- 

man 
Aaron  Howell 
James  Wilson 
Joseph  Mitchell 
R.  C.  Beatty 
Lemuel  Spahr 
Luke  B.  Davison 
G.  M.  Bacon 
David  R.   Coon 
Wm.  McLane 
George  A.  Berry 
Wm.   B.   Negley 
Robert   Dickey 
G.  W.  Williams 
Dr.  A.  H.  Gross 
James  B.  Lyon 
Thomas  Seabrook 
Hen.  J.  P.  Sterrett 
Joseph    Graham 
Robert  Orr 

C.  H.  Paulson 
Springer  Harbaugh 
George  A.  Endly 
Wm.   G.  Johnston 


George  W.  Hailman 
Dr.  D.  W.  Lewis 
John  C.  Alrich 
George   Singer,   Jr. 
James   R.    Mellon 
George    Bingham 
John   H.  McKelvy 
Dr.  H.  W.  Fulton 
Capt.  J.  W.  Batchelor 
Samuel    Dickey 
H,  P.  Krebs 
John  F.  Scott 
O.  J.  Parker 
J.  I.  Buchanan 
A.  M.  Thorne 
H.   T.   Morris 
Henry  H.  Negley 
W.  N.  Frew 

C.  B.  McLean 

D.  C.  Shaw 
Thomas  L.  Owen 
Hon.  W.  P.  Potter 
D.  H.  Wallace 
Gfo.  B.  Roessing 
Columbus  J.  Wilson 
Joseph  R.  Paull 
Wm.   H.   Goehring 
George  L.   Hailman 
R.   E.   Logan 

John  G.  Lyon 
W.  J.  Spahr 
Chas.  H.  West 
Hervey  Schumacher 
Lewis  W.  Hicks 
Thomas  Evans 


LIST   OF   SABBATH   SCHOOL   SUPERINTENDENTS 


John  Roup 
Jacob  Negley,  Sr. 
Luke  Loomis 
Isaac  Harris 
Francis  G.  Bailey 
W.  N.  Burchfield 
George  A.  Berry 
Robert  C.  Totten 


Wm.  G.  Johnston 
George  W.  Hailman 
A.  C.  Montgomery 
Dr.  T.  D.  Davis 
M.  E.  Cozad 
A.  A.  Gettys 
James    Dickson 
Dr.  T.  D.   Davis 
Chas.  H.  Riggs 

i6o 


S.   E.    Gill 
W.  A.  Edeburn 
Rev.  Jrio.  C.  Sharpe 
S.  E.  Gill 
Jas.  B.  Hainer 
Graham  C.  Wells 
Rev.  Geo.  A.  Frantx 
S.  E.  Gill 


ORGANIZATIONS 


Joslah  Crawford 
Wm.  Woolslair 
Conrad   Eiceler 
Robert  Logan 


LIST  OF  SEXTONS 

Johnston  Mayhue 
John    Martin 
S.   S.   Woolslair 
Joseph   Borland 
Tobias   Briggle 


George   Krebs 
Charles  Small 
John  Grounds,  Sr. 
John  Grounds,  Jr. 


PRESENT  ORGANIZATION 

The  Rev.  Frank  Woolford  Sneed,  D.D.,  Minister. 

The  Rev.  Harry  Alonzo  Gearhart,  Assistant  Minister. 


Wm.  M.  Robinson, 

Clerk 
Samuel  E.  Gill 
M.  D.  Shields 
J.  I.  Buchanan 


SESSION 
Graham  C.  Wells 
Joseph    R.   Paull 
John    Updegraff 
Harry    E.    Thompson 
F.  S.  Kellogg 


Wm.   H.   Goehring 
J.  J.   Matthews 
J.   McF.   Carpenter 
G.  S.  Cunningham 
Chas.  A.  Fisher 


BOARD  OF  DEACONS 
Geo.  B.  Roessing,  Pres.    Lacy  S.  McKeever,         E.   C.  Merrill,   Sec'y. 
W.  J.  Ward  Treas.  Wm.  M.  Alrich 

W.  J.  McMannis 

BOARD  OF  TRUSTEES 
Jas.  R.  Mellon,  Pres.      H.   W.   Prentis,   Jr.,       Thomas  Evans 
R.  E.  Logan  Sec'y  Lewis  W.  Hicks 

Chas.  H.  West 
Treas.  and  Gen'l  Sec'y  (Office  in  Church),  J.  H.  Runnette 

SEXTON 

John  Grounds,  Jr. 

USHERS 

R.  E.  Logan,  Chief  Usher 

L.   S.  McKeever,   Chief  Usher 

R.  G.  Bruning,  Assistant  Chief   Usher 


Wm.  M.  Alrich 
A.  W.  Hepler 
J.  R.   Park 
R.  R.   M.  Thome 
J.  A.  Tucker,  M.D. 


Cecil  E.  Joseph 

Frank   Gardner 

Chas.  M.  Corbit 

William  Gates 

V.  A.  Kirschler 

Geo.  S.  Cunningham,  M.D. 


Austin  Lee  George 
S.    A.    Armstrong 
W.  T.   Grey 
Alexander   H.    Hunter 
Errol  E.  Deemer 


CHOIR 

Mrs.  James  Stephen  Martin,  Director 

Mrs.  Emma  Albert  Dean,  Soprano     Mr.  Chester  C.  Humphrey,  Tenor 

Mrs.   Elsa  Staud  Denton,  Contralto         Mr.  j.imes  C.  Baird,  Basso 

Miss   Marian   Deuel,   Organist 

NUMBER  OF  COMMUNICANTS,  1,575. 

i6i 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

DIRECTOR  OF  MUSIC  IN  SABBATH  SCHOOL  AND 
PRAYER  MEETING 

Robert  J.  McDowell 

PIANIST  FOR  PRAYER  MEETING 

Miss  Josephine  S.  Babst 

CHURCH  VISITOR 

Miss   H.   J.  McCay 

OFFICERS  AND  TEACHERS  OF  THE  SABBATH  SCHOOL 

Pastor The  Rev.  F.  W.  Sneed,  D.D. 

Assistant  Pastor      -----        The  Rev.  H.  A.  Gearhart 

General  Superintendent         -----     Mr.  Samuel  E.  Gill 

Associate  Superintendent  -         -         -         Mr.  Harry  E.  Thompson 

Associate  Superintendent        -----        Mr.  Wra.  Gates 

Associate  Superintendent        -----     Mr.  J.  Ralph  Park 

Secretary         -------         Mr.  W.  H.  Normecutt 

Treasurer         -------         Mr.  Geo.  A.  Danner 

Director  of  Music  -         -        -         .  Mr.  'lobert  J.  McDowell 

Pianist        --------      Miss  Marian  Deuel 

Beginners  Department  and  Cradle  Roll 
Superintendent        -------       Mrs.  Jennie  Hull 

Assistant   Superintendent  .         -        -         -         .  Mrs.  L.  Veltc 

Secretary        --------       Mrs.  P.  M.  Lloyd 

Secretary        -         -         -         -        -         -         -         Mrs.  D.  L.  Zacharias 

Pianist        -------        Mi&i,  Annie  E.  McCune 

Primary  Department 
Superintendent        ------  Miss  Louise  Browne 

Secretary  ------  Miss  Josephine  S.  Babst 

Teachers 

M'ss  Ruth  Armstrong    Miss  May    Moorhead      Miss  Grace    Merrill 
Miss  Dorothy    DeLay    Miss  Elizabetli  Browne    Miss  Margaret  Tucker 
Miss  Elizabeth  Voigt 

Junior  Department 
Superintendent        ------         Mr.  Louis  V.  Sattele 

Assistant  Superintendent        -        -        _        -        Mr.  John  P.  Lafferty 
Secretary        ___-_-       Mr.   M.   Elwood   Augustine 

Teachers 

Miss  Gertrude  D.  Miss  Mary   McClel-  Miss  Elsie   Keisling 

Adams  land  Mr.  John  P.  Lafferty 

Miss  Edith    Bane  Mrs.  G.  C.  Wells  Miss  Harriet    Morgan 

Mr.  Richard  Hilleman    Mrs.  S.   H.  Augustine  Mass  Martha  Reed, 
Miss  Anna  L.  Lafferty    Miss  Maud    Hainer  Substitute 

162 


ORGANIZATIONS 


Intermediate  and  Senior  Department 

Superintendent        ------        Mr,  Chas.  A.  Fisher 

Assistant  Superintendent        -        .        -        -     Mr.  Wm.  M.  Robinson 
Secretary        -----        Mr.   Lacy   Scott   McKeever,   Jr. 

Secretary        -------  Mr.  Chas.  W.  Price 

Teachers 

Mrs.  H.  C.  Ayers  Miss  Jennie  L.  Neglej  Miss  Marion  Fleeson 

Mr.  Frank   Dixon  Mrs.  J.    M.    Pardee  Mr.  A,    W.    Hepler 

Mr.  A.  L.  George  Mr.  H.  W.  Prentis,  Jr.  Mrs.  R.  H.  Negley 

Mr.  J.  B.  McCandless    Miss  H.  J.  McCay  Mr.  J.  R.  Park 

Mrs.  W.  M.  McKelv>    Miss  Alice   Negley  Miss  Genevieve   Sloan 
Mr.  Jno.  G.  Buchanan 

Substitutes 

Mr.  N.  K.  Delavan       Mrs.  Wm.  T.  Larimer   Mr.  Jas.  R.  Hainer 
Mr,  W.    H.    Goehring    Miss  Marguerite  Elder   Mrs.  John    G.   Lyon 

Adult  Department 

Superintendent  and  Teacher        -        -        -        -    Mr.  J.  I.  Buchanan 
Secretary        .__----.    Mr.  Jos.  P.  Pricer 

Brotherhood  Department 

President Mr.  R.  R.  M.  Thome 

Vice-President Dr.  A.  McKibben 

Secretary  -------  Mr.  E.  E.   Deemcr 

Treasurer         ------  -  Mr.   Harry   Huber 

Teacher Mr.  J.  C.  Mace 

Chinese  Department 

Superintendent        ------     Miss  S.  Annette  Wade 

Assistant  Superintendent  -        -        -  Miss  Anna  M.  Richards 

Secretary         -------  Mr.  Robert  Rodgers 

Teachers 

Miss  Clara    Ewing  Mr.  Alex    K.    Steven-  Miss  Mary  Junkin 

Miss  Eleanor    Junkin         son,  Jr.  Mrs.  M.  J.  Lakey, 

Mr.  Jos.  A.  Guinyon        Substitute 

Home  Department 

Superintendent  --..-.  Miss  H.  J.  McCay 

Assistant  Superintendent        -----     Mrs.  R.  H.  Negley 

Fisitors 

Miss  Agnes   Aiken  Mrs.  Sarah  E.  Starr  Miss  Elraira  Spahr 

Mrs.  W.  J.  Hampton  Mrs.  Harris  Crawford  Miss  Fannie  Werdc- 

Miss  Mary   Ortman  Miss  Eleanor    Hanna         baugh 

Miss  Anna  Richards  Mrs.  George  Paull  Mis.  C.  J.  Wilson 

163 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

THE  WOMEN'S  HOME  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY 

"Beginning  at  Jerusalem" 

Meetings  the  first  Friday  of  each  month  at  3  P.  M.  in  the  Church 
Parlor. 

Officers 

Honorary  President:  Mrs.  John  H.  McKelvy 

Mrs.  Alexander  J.  Negley  ------        President 

Mrs.  Frank  W.   Sneed      1 

Mrs.  James  I.  Buchanan    s.  -        -        -        -        -        Vice-Presidents 

Mrs.  Horace  McGinnity   J 

Mrs.  E.   A.   Nisbet           .  .         .         -         -        Recording   Secretary 

Mrs.  M.  J.  Lakey             _  .         _         .        -          Assistant  Secretary 

Miss    Emma    B.    Lantz  ------           Treasurer 

In  Charge  of  Prayer  Meetings 

Miss  H.  J.  McCay 

Temperance  Secretary 

Miss  Anna  M.  Richards 

THE  WOMEN'S  FOREIGN  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY 

"Unto  the  uttermost  part  of  the  earth." 

Meetings  the  third  Friday  of  each  month  at  3  P.  M.,  in  the  Church 
Parlor. 

Officers 

Honorary  President:  Mrs.  John  H.  McKelvy 

Mrs.  Lacy  S.  McKeever  -__-_-  President 

Mrs.  T.  M.  Dickie  \ 

Mrs.  Wm.  M.  McKelvy      V  .         .        -         -         Vice-Presidents 

Mrs.  Charles  L.  Morgan    j 

Mrs.  Wm.  M.  Robinson  -        -        _        _  Recording  Secretary 

Mrs.  Alfred   B.   Hine Assistant   Secretary 

Mrs.  John  G.  Lyon  .._..--        Treasurer 

Mrs.  Charles  A.  Fisher  _         _         -         -  Assistant  Treasurer 

Leaders  of  Music 

Mrs.  W.  J.  Black        Mrs.  T.  B.  Wilcox         Mrs.  H.  W.  Prentis 

LADIES'   AID   SOCIETY 

Meetings  the  first  Friday  of  each  month  from  October  until  May, 
at  2  P.  M. 

Sewings  the  second  Friday  of  each  month  from  10:00  A.  M.  to 
3:00  P.  M. 

164 


ORGANIZATIONS 


Officers 


Mrs.  W.  N.  Frew 
Mrs.  Charles    S.    Curry 
Miss  Sallie  M.  Negley 
Mrs.  Richard  B.   Mellon 
Mrs.  Frank   VV.   Sneed 
Mrs.  William  S.  Flower 
Mrs.  Albert  E.  Duckham 
Miss  Alice  M.  Neglej 


President 

First    Vice-President 

Second  Vice-President 

Third   Vice-President 

F.  urth   Vice-President 

Fifth  Vice-President 

Secretary 

Treasurer 


Mrs. 

W.  N, 

.    Frew 

Mrs. 

R.  B. 

Mellon 

Mrs. 

W.  H. 

Norme- 

cutt 

M:-?. 

Chas. 

S.    Curry 

Mrs. 

V^.  S. 

Flower 

Mrs. 

R.    H. 

Negley 

Mrs. 

Sarah 

E.    Starr 

Mrs. 

J.  R. 

Paull 

Reception  Committee 

Miss  Alice  M.  Negley   Mis.  Jas.  I.  Buchanan 

Mrs.  W.  M.  McKelvy    Mrs.  F.   W.   Sneed 

Floiver  Committee 
Mrs,  Thrustcn  Wright  Mrs.  John   G.   Lyon 
Miss  Georgina    G. 


M.S.  E.  M, 
Mrs  T.  M, 
Mrs.  Helen 
Mis.  Eliz. 
Mrs.  E.  M 
Mrs.  J.    H. 

Mrs. 


Negley 

Seiving  Committee 

Mrs.  D.    P.    Corwin 
MrS;  Geo.   F.   Brown 
Miss  Mary  Ortman 
Mrs.  Will  McLain 

Purchasin<f  Committee 

Miss  Alice  M.  Negley 

Hostess  Committee 

.    Gerst  Mrs.  L.  W.   Hicks 

.  Jenkins  Mrs.  C.  J.  Wilson 

R.  Carroll  Mis.  J.  J.  Mathews 

Holmes  Miss  Jane    Chandler 

.    Bigelow  Miss  Agnes  Aiken 

Runnette 


Mi-s.  Louis   Lorch 
Miss  Sallie    Murdoch 
Mrs.  Alfred    B.    Hine 

Miss  Fannie  Werde- 

baugh 
Miss  Isabel  Wallace 


Mrs.  L.    W.    Sattele 
Miss  Josephine    Babst 
Mrs.  Cordelia  Orwig 
Mrs.  Chas.    West 
Mis.  Wm.   C.   King 
Mrs.  Alex    J.    Negley 


Presbyterian  Hospital  Committee 

William   Gates  Mrs.  C.  J.  Wilson 

Coraopolis  Training  School  Committee 

Mrs.  Charles  A.  Fisher 

Garden    Committee 

Mrs.  Sarah  E.  Starr  Miss  Sallie  Murdoch 

Mothers'  Meetings 

Miss  H.  J.  McCay,  Leader 

Meetin.fjs,    first    and   third    Thursdays   of   each    month    at   8    P.    M., 
in  the  Church  Parlor. 


165 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH 


WOMEN'S  LEAGUE 
Oificers 

Mrs.  William  M.  McKelvy        -___-_      President 

Mrs.  A.  E.  Duckham  "i 

Mrs.  J.  M.  Pardee        V         _        _        _        _        .  Vice-Presidents 

Mrs.  Will  McLain        ) 

Mrs.  Chas  M.  Corbit        -        _        -        -        Secretary  and  Treasurer 

Captains 

Section  1 — Mrs.   C.  L.  Kemery       Section  10 — Mrs.  C.  L.  Hamilton 

Section  2 — Mrs    H.  W.  Prentis       Section  11 — Mrs.    Joseph    R.    Paull 

Section  3 — Mrs.  Ira  Brainard         Section  12 — Mrs.  T.  B.  Wilcox 

Section  ^ — Miss  Alice  Carpenter     Section  13 — Mrs.  Wm.  M.  Robinson 

Section  5 — Mr.<.  Charles  A.  FisherSection  14 — Mrs.    George    Roessing 

Section  6 — Mrs.   H.   E.   ThompsonSection  15 — Mrs.  H.  McGinnity 

Section  7 — Mrs.  John  A.  FergusonSection  16 — Mrs    J.  Russell  Ross 

Section  8 — Mrs,   William    Gates    Section  17 — Mrs.   William   Rau 

Section  9 — Mrs.  Wm.   C.   DewsonSection  18 — Mrs.  A.  B.  Hine 

WOMEN'S  MONDAY  EVENING  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY 

Meetings,  frst  Monday  of  each  month  at  7:30  P    M.,  in  the  Church 
Parlor. 

Officers 
Mrs.  Harry    Snivcly        -------  President 

Mrs.  John  P.  LaflFerty  -        -     "  -        -        -        -      Vice-President 

Miss  Eleanor  Dyer  -----        Recording   Secretary 

Miss  Josephine  Babst        -         -        -         -         Coriesponding   Secretary 

Mrs.  Harry  W.  Fulton  .___,.  Treasurer 

Miss  Mary  Reed  _        _        _        _        _  Temperance  Secretary 

Miss  Annie  LaflFerty       -----         Mission  Study  Leader 

FIDELIS  SOCIETY 

Meetings,   the  second  Friday  of  each  month  at  2:30  P.  M.,   in  the 
homes  of  members. 

Officers 
Mrs.  L.  Clyde  Bixler  ..--_.-       President 

Mrs.  H.  W.  Prentis  )  ,,.„., 

,-_,,,       AT-L        f      -        -        -        -        -        Vice-Presidents 
Mrs.  Charles  A.   Fisher    j 

Mrs.  Simon  R.   Huss        -------        Secretary 

Mrs.  C.  R.  Miller,  Jr.  -----      Assistant  Secretary 

Miss  Alice  Carpenter  -----  -  Treasurer 

Mrs.  T.   Raymond   Evans        -        -        _        -        Literature   Secretary 

Mrs.  George  Paull        -----        Temperance  Secretary 

i66 


ORGANIZATIONS 

WESTMINSTER  GUILD 
Katherine  McCune  Chapter 

Officers 
Miss  Ruth  Satterfield        -------        President 

Miss   Daisy   Grindle    --------       Vice-President 

Miss  Lena  Massalsky  -        _        _        -  .  -  Secretary 

Miss  Clara  Patterson  -  -  -         -         ..        .  Treasurer 

Meetings  at  the  homes  of  members,  the  second  and  fourth  Tuesday 
of  each  month  at  8  P.  M. 

CHEERFUL  GIVERS 

Officers 

Miss  Sarah  C.  Mellon  -  -  -         .         .  -  President 

Miss  Harriet   Morgan         ------        Vice-President 

Miss  Martha  Lobingier         -  -  -  Corresponding  Secretary 

Miss  Gertrude  Adams  _        -        -        _  Recording   Secretary 

Miss  Dorothy  Neale  -------       Treasurer 

Miss  Helen  Brown  _        -        _        -        _      Temperance  Secretary 

Miss  Elizabeth  Voigt        -        -        -        -       Chairman  Social  Committee 

Miss  Rebecca  Negley  Gerst        -        -        -        -      Study  Class  Leader 

Meetings  at  homes  of  members,  the  second  Thursday  of  each  month 
at  4  P.  M. 

THE  J.  R.  McKELVY  WESTMINSTER  CIRCLE 

Officers 

Miss  Elizabeth  Lyle  -------        President 

Miss  Mary  McKenna  ------      Vice-President 

Miss  Agnes  Main  ------  -  Secretary 

Miss  Laura  Provost  -  -.._..       Treasurer 

Meetings   in   Church   Parlor,   the   second   Sunday   of   each  month   at 
3  P.  M. 

THE  BUDS  OF  PROMISE 
Mrs.  John  H.  McKelvy  -------       Leader 

Mrs.  Charles   Curry       ------        Assistant   Leader 

Meetings  every  Monday  at  4  P.  M.,  in  the  Church  Parlor. 

YOUNG  PEOPLE'S   SOCIETY  OF  CHRISTIAN  ENDEAVOR 

Officers 
Zareh  Yardum  .-..---_  President 

Emily  Kates        --------       Vice-President 

Genevieve  K.   Sloan  ---.-._       Treasurer 

Marian  E.  Fleeson  -----  Recording  Secretary 

M.  Elwood  Augustine         .         -         -         -         Corresponding  Secretary 
Donald   DeLia         ......       Financial    Secretary 

Meetings  every  Sunday  at  7  P.  M.     Song  service,  6:50-7:00. 

167 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

JUNIOR    CHRISTIAN    ENDEAVOR 

Officers 

Mrs.    S.   H.   Augustine  ---.__     Superintendent 

Mrs.    Harry   A.   Gearhart  .        _        _        Assistant  Superintendent 

Marian  E.  Fleeson     -----        Assistant  Superintendent 

TROOP  NO.  9,  BOY  SCOU'lS 

Officers 
R.  C.  Eckert  _---_-__         Scoutmaster 

Donald  Stienfirst  ----_-_       Troop  Leader 

Jack  Tim  ----.--.__       Scribe 

Milton  Harris  --_-_-._  Treasurer 

W.  Bloomberg  —_-_--.  Troop  Leader 

Norman   Stamm 

William  Cochran     y       -        -        -        -        -  Property  Committee 

S.  Biggard 


f 


MISSIONARIES  REPRESENTING   THE   CHURCH 

The  Rev.  George  W.  Dunlap,  D.D.,  and  Mrs.  Dunlap 

The  Presbyterian  Mission,  Cebu,  Philippine  Islands 
Mrs.  Edwin  Kagin         ----..       Chung  Ju,  Korea 

Miss  Jean  Tracy  ------        Allahabad,  India 

Mrs.  A.  S.  Clark  and  assistant  teacher         -         -  Cordele,  Georgia 


i68 


Centennial  Celebration 


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THE  CENTENNIAL 
SERVICES 


EAST  LIBERTY 
PRESBYTERIAN 
CONGREGATION 

Penn  and  Highland  Aves. 
Pittsburgh 

April   12-20,   1919 


Rev.   Frank  Woolford  Sneed,  D.D.,   Minister 
Rev.    Harry  Alonzo  Gearhart,   Assistant  Minister 


MORNING  WORSHIP 
ii:oo  o'clock,  April  13 

Organ — Festal  Prelude  _  _  _ 

DOXOLOGY 

Invocation — (Closing  with  the  Lord's  Prayer) 

Hymn — 82 

Psalter — Selection  8 

Anthem — "Hallelujah  Chorus" — (Messiah) 


Pruyn-Hall 


Handel 


Hallelujah!  for  the  Lord  God  omnipotent  reigneth.  The  Kingdom  of  this  world  is 
become  the  Kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  of  His  Christ,  and  shall  reign  forever  and 
ever,  King  of  Kings  and  Lord  of  Lords.      Hallelujah. 

Scripture  Lesson — Matthew  16 
Pastoral  Prayer 
Hymn — America  (i,  2  and  4) 
Unveiling  of  Memorial  Tablet — 

Veil  drawn  by  Miss  Sarah  Cordelia  Mellon 

To  THE  Glory  of  God 

AND 

In  Loving  Memory  of 

JACOB  NEGLEY 

Aug.  28,  1766  March  i8,  1827 

AND  His  Wife 

BARBARA  ANNA  NEGLEY 

Sept.  15,  1778  May  10,  1867 

Who   Were   the    Initial    Founders   of  the 

East  Liberty   Presbyterian  Church 

and   Donors  of  the   Property 

APRIL   12,   1819 

"The    Church    of    the    Living    God,    the 

Pillar  and  Ground  of  the  Truth." 

I  Timothy  3:15 
Erected  by'Their  Grandchildren 
APRIL   12,   1919 


Hymn  422  {3rd  verse) 

Regular  Weekly  Offering 

Offertory  Anthem — "I  Waited  for  the  Lord" 


-     Mendelssohn 


Soprano  and  Contralto — Duet  and  Chorus 
I  waited  for  the  Lord.      He  inclined  unto  me  and  heard  my  complaint, 
they  that  hope  and  trust  in  the  Lord. 


O  blest  are 


Historical  Sermon  _____       Dr.  Sneed 

Prayer 

The  Centennial  Hymn — (Tune  Alford,  Hymnal  261) 


O  Church  of  Christ  in  service 
Think  of  Thy  risen  Head, 
Who  died  for  thee  on  Calvary 
And  for  thy  sins  He  bled. 

O  Church  of  Christ,  in  suffering 
Be  faithful  to  thy  Lord, 
Who  promised  to  sustain  thee 
In  His  own  precious  word. 

Benediction 

Organ — Festal  Postlude  in  C 


O  Church  of  Christ,  now  waiting. 
The  promised  time  draws  near 
When  He  who  said  I'll  come  again. 
In  glory  shall  appear. 

O  Church  of  Christ  triumphant, 

Thy  toil,  thy  warfare  o'er, 

Glory  and  honor  with  thy  Lord, 

Is  thine  for  ever  more.  p     W_   §_ 


Demurest 


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ORDER  OF  CENTENNIAL  SERVICE 
EAST  LIBERTY  PRESBYTERIAN  SUNDAY  SCHOOL 

9:30  A.M.,  April  13 

Invocation   -----      Rev.  F.  W.  Sneed,  D.D. 
Hymn— "O  Day  of  Rest"    -----  School 

Scripture  Recitation — 23rd  Psalm  and  Beatitudes  School 

Prayer  __----       Mr.  J.  R.  Hainer 

Beginners  Dept.  Service  _  -  _  _       Mrs.  Hull 

Duet— "The  Lord  Is  My  Shepherd"        -  -  -  Smart 

Mrs.  Dean  and  Mrs.  Denton 
Primary  Dept.  Service     -----    Miss  Browne 
Junior  Dept.  Service        -----       Mr.  Sattele 
Greeting  by  a  Former  Scholar 

Sunday  School  Development     -  -  -  -  Mr.  Gill 

Hymn — "Onward,  Christian  Soldiers"      -  -  -  School 

Address         -       Mr.  W.  G.  Landes,  Gen.  Sec,  Penna.  S.  S.  S.  Ass'n 
Benediction  ______  School 


THE  CENTENNIAL  SERVICE 

EAST  LIBERTY  PRESBYTERIAN 

CHRISTIAN  ENDEAVOR  SOCIETY 

6:30  P.M.,  April  13 

Orchestra  Selection 

Hymn — 263 

Invocation —  _  _  _  _ 

Scripture  Lesson — Exodus  20 

Greetings — From  Allegheny  County  Christian  Endeavor  Association 

Violin  Solo  ----- 

Address         _  -  -  -  - 

Hymn — 288 

Benediction 

Orchestra 


Mr.  J.  B.  Martin 


-  Zareh  Yardum 

Rev.  Wm.  Ralph  Hall 


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EVENING  WORSHIP 
8:00  o'clock,  April  13 

Organ — "Andante  Religioso"        _  _  _ 

Old  Hundred (Congregation  standing) 

Prayer 
Hymn — 117 
Psalter — Selection  48 

Soprano  Solo — "Inflammatus" — (Stabat  Mater) 
Mrs.  Emma  Albert  Dean 


Mendelssohn 


Rossini 


When  Thou  cotnest  to  judgment.  Lord  remember  Thou  thy  servant.    None  else  can 
deliver  us — Save  and  bring  us  to  Thy  Kingdom,  there  to  worship  with  the  faithful 


Scripture  Lesson — Romans  10 

Hymn — ^422 

Dedication  of  Church  Flag 


—        Unveiled  by  Jane  Shaw 


To  the  glory  of  God.  This  flag  was  designed  by  Mrs.  J.  H.  Runnette 
and  is  presented  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Runnette  and  family  in  loving  mem- 
ory of  Elizabeth  Kerr  Runnette. 

Hymn — 411  {Verses  i  and  6) 

Regular  Weekly  Offering 

Offertory — Duet — "Now  We  Are  Ambassadors" 

Chorus — "How  Lovely  Are  the  Messengers" 

— (St.  Paul),  Mendelssohn 

And  Paul  came  to  the  congregation  and  preached  freely  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.  Then  spake  the  Holy  Ghost:  "Set  ye  apart  Barnabas  and  Paul  for  the  work 
whereunto  I  have  called  them."  And  when  they  had  fasted  and  prayed  and  laid 
their  hands  on  them  they  sent  them  away.  Now  we  are  ambassadors  in  the  name  of 
Christ,  and  God  beseecheth  you  by  us,  in  the  name  of  Christ.  How  lovely  are  the 
messengers  that  preach  to  us  the  gospel  of  peace.  To  all  the  nations  is  gone  forth  the 
sound    of  their   words,   throughout   all    the   lands    their   glad    tidings. 


Sermon         _  _         _         _ 

Prayer 

Hymn — 310 

Benediction 

Organ  Postlude — "Grand  Chorus" 


Rev.  John  A.  Marquis,  D.D. 


Faulkes 


Tuesday,  April  15 

MEN'S  DAY 


Centennial  Dinner — Six  o'clock 

{In  charge  of  the  women  of  the  Church) 

Address  by 


Rev.JohnTimothyStone,D.D. 

OF 

Chicago,  III. 

Subject: 

''The  Twentieth  Century  Man" 

Admission  by  Ticket 

Greetings  from 

Pittsburgh  Presbytery,  by  Rev. 

George    Taylor,  Jr.,  Moderator 

Greetings  from 

Synod     of     Penna.,     by     Rev. 

Geo.    W.    Montgomery,    D.D. 

Moderator. 


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Wednesday,  April  16 

WOMEN'S  DAY 

Tableaux — 2:00  P.  M. 

The  Development  of  Women's  Work  of  this  Church 
Illustrated  by  Living  Characters 
Followed  by  Social  Hour 

YE  OLDE  FOLKES  GREATS  CONCERTe 

By 

FATHER  BURCHFIELD'S  SINGIN  SKEWLe 

At  Ye  Olde  Eafte  Liberty  Prefbyterian 

Meetin  Houfe,  at  Ye  Forkes  of  Penn  Townfhip  Roade 

and  Highland  Lane 

WEDNESDAY,  Y^  i6th  Of  APRIL^ 

At  Early  Candle  Light 
(8:00  P.M.) 


Ye  singers  will  wear  ye  coftumes  of  ye  early  nineteenth  century. 
Ye  are  all  mofte  cordially  invited  to  come  and  bring  Ye  friends. 


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Thursday,  April  17 

HOME  COMING  DAY 


Reception — 8:00  P.  M, 


All  present  and  former  members 
of  Church   are   cordially   invited 


Greetings  from  our 
children,  grand- 
children and  great- 
grand-children 


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COMMUNION  SERVICE 

8:00  P.M.,  April  18 

Conducted  by  Dr.  Sneed 
Assisted  by  Rev.  H.  A.  Gearhart  and  Rev.  George  Arthur  Frantz 


Organ  Prelude — "Processional  to  Calvary"     -  -  Stainer 

Anthem — "God  so  Loved  the  World" — (Crucifixion)     -         Stainer 

God  so  loved  the  world  that  He  gave  His  only  begotten  Son  that  whosoever  believeth 
on  Him  should  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life.  For  God  sent  not  His  Son  into 
the  world  to  condemn  the  world,  but  that  the  world  through  Him  might  be  saved. 

Scripture  Lesson — John  19 

Hymn — 220 

Prayer 

Baritone  Solo — "There  Was  Darkness  Over  All  the  Earth"     Stainer 

Mr.  James  C.  Baird 
Anthem — "The  Appeal  of  the  Crucified" — (Crucifixion)  Stainer 

There  was  darkness  over  all  the  earth  and  at  the  ninth  hour  Jesus  cried  with  a  load 
voice,  saying,  "My  GodI  my  God!  why  hast  Thou  forsaken  Me?" 

Is  it  nothing  to  you,  all  ye  that  pass  by?  Behold  and  see  if  there  be  any  sorrow,  like 
unto  My  sorrow,  which  is  done  unto  Me  wherewith  the  Lord  hath  a£9icted  Me  in 
the  day  of  His  fierce  anger — From  the  throne  of  His  cross,  the  King  of  grief  cries  out 
to  a  world  of  unbelief.  O  men  and  women,  afar  and  nigh — is  it  nothing  to  you,  all 
ye  that  pass  by?  I  laid  My  eternal  power  aside.  I  came  from  the  home  of  the  glori- 
fied, a  babe  in  the  lowly  cave  to  lie.  Is  it  nothing  to  you?  I  wept  for  the  sorrows 
and  pains  of  men,  I  healed  them  and  helped  them,  and  lov'd  them,  but  then  they 
shouted  against  me,  "Crucify,"  "Crucify,"  "CRUCIFY!"  Is  it  nothing?  Behold  Me 
and  see,  pierced  through  and  through  with  countless  sorrows,  and  all  is  for  you,  for 
you  I  sufl^er,  for  you  I  die.  Is  it  nothing  to  you?  O  come  unto  Me  by  the  woes  I 
have  borne,  by  the  dreadful  scourge  and  the  crown  of  thorns.  By  these  I  implore 
you  to  hear  My  cry.  Is  it  nothing  to  you?  O  come  unto  Me,  this  awful  price.  Re- 
demption's tremendous  sacrifice  is  paid  for  you.      O  why  will  ye  die?      O  come  unto  Mel 


Communion  Address         - 

Hymn — 328 

Communion 

Hymn — 330 — (Tune  Toplady) 

Benediction 

Organ  Postlude — "Chorale" 


Rev.  George  Arthur  Frantz 


Stainer 


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Organ  Prelude- 
Hymn — "America' 
Prayer 
Baritone  Solo — ' 


SOLDIERS'  DAY  SERVICE 
Saturday,  April  19,  3:00  P.M. 

'Pilgrims'  Song  of  Hope"      - 


'Soldier,  What  of  the  Night?' 
Mr.  James  C.  Baird 


Bathgate 
Dix 


"Soldier,  what  of  the  night? 
Will  it  mean  that  those  who  love  you. 
Of  their  joy  bereft,  will  be  nnourning  left, 
While  the  pitying  stars  shine  above  you?" 

"Whatever  it  means,"  he  answered 

"In  the  pathway  by  others  trod, 

I  shall  play  my  part  with  a  trusting  heart, 

And  the  rest  I  shall  leave  to  God!" 


"Whatever  it  brings,"  he  answered, 
"When  my  weary  round  I've  trod 
As  a  sentry,  there  on  my  knees  in  prayer 
It  will  find  me  alone  with  God." 

"Art  thou  ready  to-day  for  the  battle  fray, 
For  death  looms  large?     There's  a  flash  of  steel. 
And  a  blinding  reel. 
For  the  trumpet  has  sounded  the  charge." 


'Soldier,  what  of  the  night?  And  the  soldier  answered  the  question, 

Will  it  by  the  camp-fire  find  you  Lying  there  a  lifeless  clod; 

With  the  restless  throng,  or  in  dreams  among  He  has  played  his  part  with  a  trusting  heart. 

All  the  dear  ones  you  left  behind  you."  And  the  rest  we  can  leave  to  God! 

Yes,  he  played  his  part  with  a  trusting  heart. 
And  the  rest  we  can  leave  to  God. 


Reading  of  Scripture 

Anthem — Invocation — (Arranged) 

Wrapped  in  dreams — free  from  pain, 
Warriors  sleep  along  the  plain. 
O'er  their  rest,  the  shining  host 
Of  steadfast  stars  keep  their  post. 
O'er  their  rest,  silence  now  deep  as  night. 
Not  in  vain  have  they  bled 
But  in  glory  lies  our  dead. 


Grieg 


From  their  grave  new  spirits  rise 

Songs  of  triumph  lift  the  skies 

Silence  now,  deep  as  night. 

Dulls  all  echoes  of  their  flight 

War's  red  flame  no  anguish  holds 

For  those  who  lie  in  death's  dark  folds. 


Grant,  O  Lord,  healing  peace. 
Grant  to  those  who  weep  surcease; 
Death  is  sweet  with  Victory, 
We  died  for  you,  and  you  are  free. 

Presentation  _____  Dr.  Sneed 

Response       _____  Capt.  Roy  F.  Miller 

Unveiling  of  Soldiers'  Memorial  Tablet 

Presented  by  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Sneed 
Veil  drawn  by  Miss  Josephine  Paull 
and  Miss  Anna  Kahle 
{Congregatioji  standing  at  attention) 
Salute  to  the  Flag — "Allegiance  to  the  Flag"  By  the  Choir 

Battle  Hymn  of  the  Republic — (5th  verse) 
Planting  of  Memorial  Tree  on  Church  Lawn — 
Presentation  by  Comrade  S.  E.  Gill 
Response — Captain  William  A.  Duckham 
Planting  Tree 
Retreat 


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MORNING  WORSHIP 
ii:oo  o'clock,  April  20 

Organ  Prelude — "Easter  Morning"       - 

DOXOLOGY 

Invocation — (Closing  with  the  Lord's  Prayer) 

Hymn — 246 

Psalter — Selection  11 

Anthem — "As  it  Began  to  Dawn"  - 


Schilling 


Mailing 


—  -        George  C.  Martin 

As  it  began  to  dawn  toward  the  first  day  of  the  week,  came  Mary  Magdalene  and  the 
other  Mary,  to  see  the  sepulcher.  And  behold,  there  was  a  great  earthquake,  for  the 
angel  of  the  Lord  descended  from  heaven,  and  came  and  rolled  back  the  stone  from  the 
door,   and   sat   upon   it. 

His  countenance  was  like  lightning,  and  his  raiment  white  as  snow;  And  for  fear 
of  him  the  keepers  did  shake,  and  become  as  dead  men.  And  the  aneel'anRwered  and 
said  unto  the  women.  Fear  not  ye:  for  I  know  that  ye  seek  Jesus,  which  was  crucified. 
He  is  not  here;  for  He  is  risen,  as  He  said.  Come,  see  the  place  where  the  Lord  lay. 
And  go  quickly,  and  tell  His  disciples  that  He  is  risen  from  the  dead. 
Jesus  Christ  is  risen  today,  Alleluia!  Now  above  the  sky  He's  King,  Alleluia' 

Our  triumphant  holy  day,  Alleluia!  Where  the  angels  ever  sing,  Alleluia! 

Christ  is  risen,  Alleluia!      Amen. 

Scripture  Lesson — John  20 

Pastoral  Prayer 

Anthem — "Christ  Our  Passover"  - 

(Solos,  Quartette  and  Chorus) 

Christ  our  passover  is  sacrificed  for  us;  therefore  let  us  keep  the  feast;  not  with  the 
old  leav'n,  neither  with  the  leav'n  of  malice  and  wickedness,  but  with  th'unleavened 
bread  of  sincerity  and  truth.  Christ  being  raised  from  the  read,  dieth  no  more;  death 
hath   no   more   dominion   over    Him. 

Solo — For  in  that  He  died.  He  died  unto  sin  once. 

Quartette — But  in  that  He  liveth.  He  liveth  unto  God. 

Alto-Solo — Likewise  reckon  ye  also  yourselves  to  be  dead — to  be  dead  indeed 

unto  sin. 
Chorus — But  alive  unto  God,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Tenor  Solo — Christ  is  risen  from  the  dead,  and  become  the  first  fruits  of  them 

that  slept. 
Soprano  Solo — For  since  by  man  came  death,  by  man  came  also  the  resurrection 

of  the  dead. 
Chorus — For  as  in  Adam  all  die  even  so  in  Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father  and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost;  as  it  was  in  the 
beginning,  is  now  and  ever  shall  be,  world  without  end.      Amen. 

Regular  Weekly  Offering 

Hymn — 234 

Sermon 

Prayer 

Anthem — "Behold,  Ye  Despisers" — (With  Baritone  Solos)        Parker 

Behold,  ye  despisers,  and  wonder  and  perish;  for  I  work  a  work  in  your  days,  a  work 
which  ye  shall  in  no  wise  believe,  though  a  man  declare  it  unto  you.  God  is  not  a 
God  of  the  dead,  but  of  the  living,  for  all  live  unto  Him.  Jesus  died,  and  rose  again. 
Even  so  them  that  sleep  in  Jesus  shall  God  bring  with  Him.  Comfort  ye  one  another 
with  these  words:  The  trumpet  shall  sound  and  the  dead  shall  be  raised,  incorruptible, 
and  we  shall  be  changed.  Then  shall  be  bro't  to  pass  the  saying:  Death  is  swallowed 
up  in  victory,  O  death  where  is  thy  sting.'  O  grave  where  is  thy  victory?  The  sting  ot 
death  is  sin.  And  the  strength  of  sin  is  law.  But  thanks  be  to  God  Who  giveth 
us  the  victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Hymn — 157 
Bnediction 
Organ  Postlude 


Rev.  A.  W.  Halsey,  D.D. 


(Omit  4th  and  5th  verses) 

Hallelujah  Chorus"   - 


Handel 


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EVENING  WORSHIP 

8:00  o'clock,  April  20 

Organ — Spring  Song  _  _  _ 

Old  Hundred — (Congregation  Standing) 

Prayer 

Hymn — 241 

ScRii'TURE  Lesson — I  Corinthians  15 

Regular  Weekly  Offering 

Easter  Cantata — "Death  and  Life"      - 


Hollins 


Harry  Rowe  Shelley 


Chorus  (Matt,  xxvii,  29) 
"Hail!      King  of  the  Jews" — to  Thee,  all  hail. 
With  mocking  taunts  they  Jesus  Christ  assail! 
With  cries  of  "Crucify,"  the  air  they  fill, 
And  press  with  fierceness  round  the  Holy  Hill 
"Hail!      King    of   the    Jews" — to    Him    they 

bring 
A  sponge  of  hyssop  as  an  offering; 
And  as  His  blessed  side  they  stab  with  spears. 
The  earth  resounds  with  loud,  exultant  cheers 
"Hail!      King  of  the  Jews — for  if  Thou  be 
The  Son  of  God,  then  save  Thyself;  and  we 
Shall  then  believe;"  thus  hear  the  rabble  cry, 
As  on  the  Cross  the  End  soon  draweth  nigh. 
Recit.  (Matt,  xxvii,  45-50) 
Solo  (Matt,  xxvii,  51-54) 
Behold!      the  temple's  veil  is  rent  in  twain. 
And  dreary  darkness  fills  the  world  again. 
The  earth  is  shaken  on  its  tranquil  course. 
And  heads  are  bowed  in  bitterest  remorse 
Long  silent  graves  their  secrets  now  reveal, 
And  Death  on  all  things  sets  his  cruel  seal; 
For  in  the  midst,  on  Calvary's  lonely  hill. 
The  dear  Redeemer  lies  so  cold  and  still. 
Now  suddenly  the  people's  cries  ring  out, 
Until  the  echoing  hills  take  up  the  shout; 
This  is  the  Son  of  God,  'tis  He,  they  cry. 
Who  came  on  earth  our  sins  to  crucify. 
Recit. -(John  xix,  40-42) 
Solo  (Matt,  xxvii,  61) 
See  the  world  in  sorrow  weeping, 
While  the  Marys  watch  are  keeping 
At  the  Saviour's  side; 

His  dear  hands,  so  bruised  and  bleeding, 
No  more  earthly  service  needing, 
Rest  at  eventide. 
As  the  dusky  shadows  falling 
Wrap  the  tomb  in  grief  appalling, 
Hushed  the  world  in  prayer; 
God,  the  Lord  of  all  things  living. 
For  Thy  love  and  grace  forgiving. 
Raise  us  from  despair. 

Recit.  (John  xx,  1-11-12-13) 

Soi.o  (John  XX,  13) 
Because  they  have  taken  away  my  Lord, 
[  know  not  where  they  have  laid  Him. 

Sermon  _  _  _  _ 

Prayer 

Hymn — 162 

Benediction 

Organ  Postlude — "Triumphal  M 


Jesus  of  Nazareth  my  soul  adored — 
Blessed  the  branches  that  shade  Him. 
Weary  with  watching,  hoping  in  vain. 
Heavy  my  spirit  with  sorrow; 
O!  tell  me  where  I  may  find  Him  again. 
Some  consolation  to  borrow. 

Recit.  (John  xx,  14-16) 

Solo  (John  xx,  15) 

Woman,  why  weepest  thou?  Woman,  what 
keepest  thou  so  sad  of  heart?  Has  hope 
forsaken  thee,  and  grief  o'ertaken  thee 
bidding  tears  start? 

Solo  (John  xx,  15) 

Sir,  hast  thou  taken  Him,  left  Him,  for- 
saken Him?  Tell  me,  I  pray;  That  I  may 
go  to  Him,  with  all  I  owe  to  Him,  take  Him 

away. 

Recit.  (John  xx,  i6) 

Solo — "Rabboni!" 

Solo  (John  xx,  17) 

Mary,  touch  Me  not,  I  am  not  yt  ascended, 
but  risen  from  the  chains  of  death.  My 
earthly  mission  ended.  Hasten,  now  thou 
art  My  messenger  appointed;  Proclaim 
the  glorious  victory,  by  Risen  Love  anointed 

Chorus 
Now  the  earth  in  resurrection-light 
Stands  serene  and  fair  in  beauty  bright; 
Lo!  from  out  the  bondage  of  the  tomb 
Christ  hath  risen,  vanquishing  the  gloom 
E'en  the  simple  lilies  of  the  field 
Joyously  their  fragrant  incense  yield, 
Fairy  harebells  silvery  music  make. 
And  the  songs  of  birds  the  streams  awake. 
Soft  the  air,  the  breezes  breathe  of  spring; 
Lowly  hedgerows,  gaily  blossoming, 
Lift  their  flower-petals  to  the  sky 
And  rejoice  in  glorious  victory. 
Jesus  Christ,  the  Life,  the    Truth,  the  Way. 
From  the  power  of  death  hath  risen  to-day. 
Sing  ye  praise,  for  unto  you  is  given 
Entrance     through     the     shining     gates     of 
Heaven. 

Amen. 


arch"    - 


Rev.  George  Ryall 


Costa 


ClQiS^ 


<C|Q1S 


WM.   M.  ROBINSON.  Clerk 
SAMUEL  E.  GILL 
M.   D.  SHIELDS 
J.  I.   BUCHANAN 
GRAHAM  C.  WELLS 


Officers  of  the  Church 

joseph  r.  paull 
john  updegraff 
harry  e.  thompson 

F.  S.   KELLOGG 


WM.   H.  GOEHRING 
J.  J.   MATTHEWS 
J.   McF.  CARPENTER 
G.  S.  CUNNINGHAM 
CHAS.  A.  FISHER 


Board  of  Deacons 


GEO.   B.    ROESSING,   President 
E.  C.   MERRILL,  Secretary 
LACY  S.   McKEEVER,  Treasurer 


JAS.   R.    MELLON,   President 
JOHN   G.   LYON,   Secretary 


Board  of  Trustees 

thomas  evans 

R.  E.  LOGAN 

Choir 


w.  J.  ward 

W.  J.   McMANNIS 
WM.  M.  ALRICH 


CHAS.  H.  WEST 
LEWIS  W.  HICKS 


MRS.  JAMES  STEPHEN  MARTIN,  Director 

MISS   MARIAN   DEUEL,  Organist 
MRS.   EMMA  ALBERT   DEAN,  Soprano  MR.   CHESTER  C.   HUMPHREY,  Tenor 

MRS.   ELSA  STAUD   DENTON,   Contralto  MR.  JAMES  C.   BAIRD,   Basso 

Supplementary  Choir 

MISS   KATHERINE  ELLIS,  Soprano  MRS.   HENRIETTA  HIBBARD,  Alto 

MISS  JEANETTE   BOOHER,  Soprano  MR.   WARREN   KINDER,  Tenor 

MR.  JOHN   HIBBARD,   Basso 

Director  of  Music  in  Sabbath   School  and   Prayer  Meeting 

ROBERT  J.  McDowell 


Centennial  Advisory  Committee 


ANDREW  W.   MELLON 
MRS.  HENRY  H.  NEGLEY 
H.  J.  HEINZ 

MRS.  HENRY  W.  FULTON 
RICHARD  B.  MELLON 


MRS.  JAMES  R.  MELLON 

PENNOCK  HART 

MRS.  JOHN  H.   McKELVY 

THOMAS  EVANS 

MRS.  JOHN  F.  SCOTT 

JOHN  UPDEGRAFF 

MISS  ELIZABETH  McCOMB 


MRS.  THOMAS  EVANS 
MRS.  WILLIAM   McKEE 
R.  HEBERTON  NEGLEY 
MRS.  J.  W.  SMITH 
MRS.  ALFRED  HICKS 


THE  CENTENNIAL  PAGEANT 


/OOX/SarsJ^o  Toc/ay 


ff 


^Pi'p^oiitpd  April  IQ. 


CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 

ijHE  Centennial  Celebration  of  the  founding  of  the 
East  Liberty  Presbyterian  congregation  and  dona- 
tion of  the  property,  was  planned  with  a  wide  and 
varied  scope,  although  the  time  for  preparation  was 
necessarily  limited,  owing  to  the  element  of  uncertainty  as  to 
the  extent  of  observance  which  would  be  possible,  occasioned 
by  war  and  epidemic  conditions,  which  preceded  the  prepara- 
tion. 

To  strenuous  and  united  effort  on  the  part  of  pastors  and 
people,  together  with  the  use  of  the  respective  talent  of  indi- 
vidual members,  which  provided  a  versatile  supply,  all  grate- 
fully consecrated  to  the  service  and  honor  of  the  Master, 
whose  loving  kindness  alone  made  possible  this  joyous  occasion, 
its  eminently  successful  issue  was  due. 

The  spirit  of  good  fellowship  which  prevailed  was  refreshing, 
while  the  spiritual  atmosphere  was  truly  uplifting. 

The  usual  division  of  labor  through  committees,  equipped 
with  competent  chairmen,  was  the  method  employed. 

So  mammoth  was  this  working  force,  owing  to  the  desire 
and  intention  of  the  Committee  on  Plans  that  every  one  of  the 
approximately  six  hundred  families  in  the  church  should  be 
represented  on  a  committee,  and,  in  some  cases,  numerous 
members  of  the  same  family  being  desirous  to  serve,  the  com- 
plete list  has  proved  too  comprehensive  for  the  purpose  and 
limitations  of  this  volume. 

Almost  two  thousand  beautifully  engraved  invitations,  the 
gift  of  Mr.  William  L.  Mellon,  chairman  of  the  Invitation 
Committee,  were  issued  about  two  weeks  previous  to  the  cele- 
bration, diligent  efforts  being  made  by  the  Committee  on  Lists 
and  Addresses  to  secure  the  names  with  their  present  addresses 
of  former  members  of  the  church,  and  their  descendants  in 
cases  where  long  and  special  service  had  been  rendered. 

The  music  was  a  salient  feature  throughout  the  Celebration 
— vocal    and   instrumental    numbers   on   the   various   programs 

18.3 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY  PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

being  rendered  with  a  superior  degree  of  artistic  excellence,  as 
well  as  the  selections  being  in  happy  harmony  with  the  spirit 
of  each  specific  occasion. 

A  day  previous  to  the  opening  of  the  celebration,  a  Memorial 
Service  for  the  women  workers  who  had  passed  "within  the 
veil"  was  held  on  the  time-honored  occasion  of  the  Women's 
Service,  which,  since  its  inception  in  the  form  of  organized 
societies,  has  been  held  on  Friday  afternoons. 

Mrs.  John  H.  McKelvy,  a  beloved  veteran  in  women's 
work,  and  honorary  president  of  both  the  Women's  Home  and 
Foreign  Societies,  conducted  this  service  in  her  usual  able  and 
beautiful  manner. 

Beginning  with  a  tribute  to  Mrs.  Barbara  A.  Negley,  the 
first  woman  worker,  she  followed  with  tributes  to  the  noble 
wives  of  pastors  of  the  church.  Mrs.  McKelvy  quickened  the 
memory,  and  touched  a  tender  chord  in  every  heart. 

She  was  followed  by  other  speakers,  who,  in  a  very  informal 
manner,  recalled,  one  after  another,  splendid  workers  in  the 
various  eras  of  our  church  history,  who  had  passed  on  to  the 
service  above,  no  attempt  to  produce  a  complete  list  being  pos- 
sible. 

Mrs.  Christine  Miller  Clemson,  in  her  early  childhood  a 
beloved  member  of  this  Sabbath  school,  received  a  hearty  wel- 
come to  her  old  church  home.  She  favored  the  occasion  with 
tw^o  charming  vocal  solos,  rendered  in  her  usual  excellent  style. 


184 


CENTENNIAL  PAGEANT 

April  12,   1919 

MORE  artistic  and  effective  preparation  could 
scarcely  have  been  conceived  to  transport  the  con- 
gregation to  the  era,  and  imbue  them  with  the 
spirit  of  the  events  of  April  12,  1819,  than  the 
wonderful  Pageant,  so  ably  planned  by  Mr.  Louis  V.  Sattele, 
chairman  of  the  Pictorial  History  Committee,  whose  talent 
along  the  line  of  devising  appropriate  and  artistic  church  enter- 
tainments has  long  been  recognized  and  appreciated  in  this 
church. 

The  Pageant  was  prepared  under  the  direction  of  Prof. 
Thomas  Wood  Stevens,  of  the  Carnegie  Institute  of  Tech- 
nology, who  deservedly  ranks  as  a  prince  among  pageant 
creators. 

The  material  from  which  the  interesting  story  was  drawn 
was  taken  largely  from  early  church  documents,  amplified  by 
oral  traditions.  An  interesting  narrative  of  the  Pageant  by 
Mr.  H.  Fred  Mercer  follows: 

EAST  LIBERTY  PRESBYTERIAN  CONGREGATION 
THE  FOUNDING 
Synopsis 
I.     The  Prologue. 
II.     The  Schoolmaster  and  the  Traveler.     The  background 
of  the  village  and  the  Pike. 
III.     The  Gossip  of  the  Gathering.     Prospects,  plans  and  the 

political  situation. 
IV.     The  meeting  called  to  order.     Its  purpose  announced. 

V.     Protests  (the  irrelevant  ones). 
VI.     Report  of  subscriptions. 
VII.     Presentation  of  the  Deed  of  Gift. 

VIII.    The  Constitution,  paragraph  by  paragraph ;  discussion. 
IX.     The  Beulah  Protest  predicted ;  Senator  James  Ross  on 
the  legal  phases. 
X.     The  Vote  adopting  the  Constitution. 
XI.     The  Election  of  Trustees. 
XII.     Hymn. 

185 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

XIII.  The   Trustees   meet;   the   Building   Committee   is   ap- 

pointed and  instructed. 

XIV.  The  Adjournment  and  farewells. 

XV.     A  founder's  soliloquy.      (Negley  alone.) 

On  Saturday  evening,  April  12th,  1919,  at  the  East  Liberty 
Church,  corner  of  Highland  and  Penn  avenues,  Pittsburgh, 
Penna.,  the  East  Liberty  Presbyterian  Congregation  gave 
a  pageant  dramatized  from  the  records  and  traditions  of  the 
congregation,  showing  the  first  meeting  "wherein  the  congre- 
gation was  founded  and  the  property  upon  which  the  church 
building  now  stands  was  turned  over  or  conveyed  to  the  con- 
gregation." 

The  characters  and  those  who  presented  them  were  as  fol- 
lows : 

Speaker  of  Piologue Janet  Cameron 

Thomas  H.  Finley,  the  Schoolmaster Austin  L.  George 

A  Traveler John  B.  Martin 

Jonathan  Roup Simon  R.   Huss 

William  B.  Foster J.  R.  Hainer 

Samuel  Peebles J.  Horace  McGinnity 

Alexander  Thompson,   Sr Roseman  Gardner 

Solomon  Berlin William  J.  Phillips 

Francis  Warmcastle Louis  V.  Sattele 

James  Ross J.  Roy  Dickie 

Jacob  Negley H.  Fred  Mercer 

Barbara  Negley Sarah  C.  Mellon 

Casper  Negley Dr.  C.  L.  Kemery 

Mrs.  Clem Mrs.  John  P.  Lafferty 

Mrs.  King Miss  Jennie  Negley 

Mrs.  Herron Mrs.  C.  L.  Hamilton 

and  other  residents  of  East  Liberty  in  1819. 

Upon  the  stage  was  Paul  Mellon,  the  son  of  Andrew  W. 
Mellon  and  the  youngest  great-grandson  of  Jacob  Negley  and 
Barbara  A.  Negley,  who  took  part  in  the  play,  representing 
one  of  the  children  present  at  the  congregational  meeting  one 
hundred  years  ago.  Rebecca  Negley  Gerst,  a  ,great-great- 
granddaughter,  and  about  fifteen  other  persons  were  also  num- 
bered among  those  in  attendance  at  the  meeting. 

i86 


CENTENNIAL   CELEBRATION 

The  play  was  opened  with  the  following  prologue: 

"One  hundred  years,  a  century's  march  of  life, 
We  gather  here  to  honor.     Mark  with  gold 
The  day  when  the  new  century  begins : 
Look  forward  and  with  steadfast  heart  accept 
The  threat,  the  challenge,  struggle  and  success, 
The  change  and  chances  of  the  future  years. 
And  look,  lest  the  uncertain  midnights  yet  to  come, 
The  hours  of  toil  and  trial,  daunt  the  spirit — 
Look  back  as  well.    And  as  we  crown  the  year 
With  hope  and  high  rejoicings,  love  and  praise, 
Look  back  with  me,  for  rich  remembrances 
Are  potent  in  the  face  ©f  unknown  perils. 
Let  these  hundred  changeful  years  fade  out. 
This  lofty  roof-span  shrink,  this  roar  of  cities  cease. 
Come  with  me  to  a  village  in  the  wood, 
By  the  great  road  where  through  the  Western  Gate 
Pours  the  slow  commerce  of  a  simpler  time. 
Come  with  me  down  the  star-lit  path,  and  bring 
Imagination's  glow  to  warm  your  hearts. 
And  I  will  show,  if  you  imagine  well, 
How  our  long  century  began.     And  you  shall  see 
The  founders  and  the  fathers  of  this  house 
Meeting  in  faith  and  common  human  need 
To  set  its  hearth-stone.     Listen  well  and  hear. 
True  to  the  record  and  tradition's  wor5, 
Their  mutual  compact  for  the  planting  deep 
Of  the  rich  acorn  whence  this  mighty  oak, 
Branching  above  us,  reaching  up  toward  God, 
Has  in  His  will  and  glory  grown  and  prospered." 

The  stage  which  represented  the  combination  old  school- 
house  and  church  being  used  for  both  purposes,  first  showed 
Thomas  H.  Finley,  the  schoolmaster,  who,  while  preparing 
the  meeting  house  for  the  meeting,  was  interrupted  by  a  trav- 
eler from  the  east  then  journeying  on  the  pike  towards  Pitts- 
burgh, The  schoolmaster  was  much  perturbed  over  the  pros- 
pect of  giving  a  portion  of  his  stipend  to  the  erection  of  a  new 

187 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

church  and  schoolhouse,  but  after  much  persuasion  by  the  trav- 
eler, who  brought  news  from  the  east  as  to  what  was  going  on 
in  the  outside  world,  decided  that  he  would  give  what  he  could 
towards  the  erection  of  the  new  church.  The  folks  of  the 
neighborhood  finally  gathered  and  the  meeting  was  called  to 
order  by  Alexander  Thompson,  Sr.,  the  moderator,  who 
opened  the  meeting  with  an  earnest  prayer  for  guidance.  Solo- 
mon Berlin  was  much  disturbed  about  having  a  melodeon  in 
the  church  and  thought  the  worship  of  God  should  be  confined 
to  the  human  voice  alone.  Solomon  Berlin  seemed  more  dis- 
turbed about  melodeons  than  he  did  about  giving  a  subscrip- 
tion to  the  erection  of  the  new  church.  Mr.  Warmcastle 
thought  that  if  they  would  form  a  new  congregation  here,  it 
would  interfere  with  the  Beulah  Church,  which  was  then  pas- 
tored  by  Mr.  Graham,  but  those  present  finally  decided  that 
the  erection  of  a  new  church  might  not  interfere  with  Beulah 
congregation  and  there  was  room  in  East  Liberty  village  for  a 
new  church. 

Mr.  William  B.  F'oster,  the  secretary  of  the  congregation, 
reported  subscriptions  amounting  to  $1,561.62V2>  ^"d  further 
that  John  Innis  and  Wiseman  had  agreed  to  supply  fifty 
bushels  of  lime  and  Joseph  Wainright  five  gallons  of  oil.  Mr. 
Warmcastle  thought  that  that  was  not  enough  to  build  a 
church  with,  but  finally  Jacob  Negley  suggested  that  the  vil- 
lage of  East  Liberty  had  greater  things  before  it,  and  recalling 
to  the  minds  of  those  preesnt  that  the  church  building  was 
also  to  be  used  as  a  schoolhouse,  suggested  that  the  greatest 
heritage  they  could  leave  to  their  children  was  this  church 
building.  He  thought  it  would  be  a  most  important  and  useful 
building  in  the  village  and  for  such  a  purpose  any  sacrifice 
should  be  made.  Senator  James  Ross,  the  most  prominent 
lawyer  of  Pittsburgh  at  the  time,  and  a  member  of  the  United 
States  Senate,  assisted  the  congregation  in  preparing  the  con- 
stitution, and  after  some  discussion  on  whether  or  not  the 
church  building  was  to  be  used  by  other  congregations,  gave  a 
very  learned  and  enlightening  discussion  upon  the  value  of  a 
church  in  the  nation  at  that  time.  He  invoked  the  help  of  all 
those  present  in  the  building  of  the  church  and  suggested  that 
the  congregation  should  accept  Mr.  Negley 's  offer  of  the  land. 

i88 


CENTENNIAL   CELEBRATION 

Barbara  Negley  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  congregation,  for 
the  use  of  the  East  Liberty  Presbyterian  congregation,  the 
deed  for  the  acre  and  a  half  of  land  upon  which  the  school- 
house  then  stood,  together  with  the  schoolhouse  itself,  which 
Jacob  gave.  Mr.  Thompson,  the  moderator,  on  behalf  of  the 
congregation,  accepted  the  deed  and  tendered  to  Barbara  Neg' 
ley  the  heartfelt  gratitude  of  the  congregation,  after  which  all 
united  in  singing  "Praise  God  from  whom  all  blessings  flow." 
The  constitution  provided  that  no  person  should  have  a  vote 
in  the  Congregation  without  being  a  subscriber  of  at  least  $5.00, 
a  fact  which  created  quite  a  discussion,  but  which  was  finally 
adopted.  Jacob  Negley  finally  submitted  the  plans  of  the  new 
church,  together  with  the  proposition  that  he  would  supply  the 
necessary  bricks  for  the  church  and  trust  the  congregation  for 
three  years.  Samuel  Peebles  thought  that  was  practical,  and 
even  Jonathan  Roup,  while  he  feared  that  everything  was  being 
left  to  Jacob  Negley,  concluded  that  it  was  in  good  hands. 
The  congregation  finally  disbanded,  Barbara  Negley  walking 
down  the  path  with  Casper  Negley,  while  Jacob  Negley  re- 
mained at  the  church  after  the  others  had  gone.  He  was  gaz- 
ing upon  his  plan  for  the  new  church,  and  in  the  candle  light, 
musing  to  himself,  said: 

"Not  in  vanity,  not  in  vanity,  but  if  the  future 
shapes  as  I  see  it,  there  will  be  the  need — there  is 
need  now,  to  come  together  in  common  worship,  the 
human  need,  the  need  to  praise  God  together.  Not 
mine,  but  thine,  shall  be  the  glory,  and  when  this 
village  expands,  as  expand  it  must,  use  the  church  for 
the  furtherance  of  thine  own  power,  and  may  it  cause 
thy  kingdom  here  to  come.  For  the  small  work  thou 
mayest  allow  me  to  do,  my  heart  overfloweth  with 
thanksgiving." 


Long  before  the  doors  of  the  church  were  opened  for  this 
preliminary  event  in  the  Centennial  Celebration,  a  stream  of 
interested  people  gathered  at  the  main  entrance  to  the  church, 
awaiting  the  first  opportunity  to  enter. 

Admission  was  by  ticket  for  the  sole  reason  that  there  were 
limitations   imposed   by   the   capacity   of   the   Auditorium,    the 

i8q 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

necessity  for  the  recognition  of  which  was  compelled  by  Civic 
regulations.  Eight  o'clock  was  the  opening  hour  for  the  pro- 
gram, and  for  fifteen  minutes  a  delightful  service  of  song  was 
enjoyed  by  the  audience,  beginning  with  "America"  and  in- 
cluding "How  Firm  a  Foundation,"  "Onward,  Christian  Sol- 
diers," and  "Old  Folks  at  Home,"  all  of  which  were  printed 
on  the  program  of  the  Pageant,  the  large  audience  joining  with 
cordial  and  enthusiastic  spirit  in  the  service  of  song. 

A  perceptible  hush  fell  on  the  assembly  as  the  electric  lights 
were  extinguished,  and  with  only  footlights,  and  two  large 
spot  lights  placed  at  appropriate  angles  for  reflection,  a  memor- 
able scene  of  beauty  was  presented  when  Miss  Janet  Cameron, 
in  flowing  robes,  with  rare  grace  and  exquisite  skill,  recited  in 
clear,  melodious  tones  the  beautiful  Epilogue  with  which  the 
Pageant  opened.  At  the  opening  of  the  Epilogue  the  historical 
bell  pealed  from  the  belfry  the  announcement  that  the  Cen- 
tennial Celebration  had  commenced.  As  the  Pageant  pro- 
ceeded, the  interest  only  became  intensified  as  each  character 
seemed  to  interpret,  with  rare  correspondence  and  fluency,  the 
part  assigned. 

Nothing  occurred  to  mar  the  smooth  continuity,  nor  even  to 
suggest  amateur  work,  the  production  being  of  classic  and 
finished  character  throughout.  The  beautiful  and  quaint  cos- 
tumes worn  were  those  of  the  era  depicted. 

Miss  Sarah  Cordelia  Mellon,  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Richard  B.  Mellon,  richly  gowned  in  the  fashion  of  the  period, 
interpreted  the  part  of  her  great-grandmother,  Mrs.  Barbara 
A.  Negley,  with  marked  ease  and  graciousness  of  manner. 

Attorney  H.  Fred  Mercer  interpreted  the  character  of 
Jacob  Negley  with  scholarly  dignity  and  generous  spirit,  and 
his  fine  and  impressive  rendition  of  the  Founder's  Soliloquy 
will  remain  memorable  in  the  minds  of  those  who  heard  it. 

Each  character  measured  up  fully  to  the  part  assigned,  and 
the  evening's  entertainment  proved  to  be  a  most  enjoyable  one. 

After  the  Pageant,  a  series  of  stereopticon  pictures  were 
thrown  on  the  screen,  which  portrayed  many  of  the  old  mem- 
bers of  the  church,  and  drew  forth  from  the  audience  evidence 
of  genuine  pleasure  in  the  memories  revived. 

190 


CENTENNIAL  SERVICE 

OF  THE 

SABBATH  SCHOOL 

ALM  Sunday  dawned  fair  and  the  Sabbath  school 
began  the  historical  services  of  the  Lord's  day  with 
the  assembling  of  the  main  body  of  the  school  at 
9:30  a.  m.,  in  the  church  chapel.  After  the  invo- 
cation by  Dr.  Sneed,  prayer  by  Mr.  J,  R.  Hainer,  and  a  duet, 
"The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd,"  effectively  rendered  by  Mrs.  Dean 
and  Mrs.  Denton,  a  procession  of  tiny  children  marched  in, 
and  led  by  Mrs.  S.  M.  Hull,  sang  the  old,  old  childhood  hymn 
with  its  precious  gospel  message: 

"Jesus  loves  me,  this  I  know. 
For  the  Bible  tells  me  so." 
As  the  Beginners  retired,  who  rank  next  in  age  to  the  Cradle 
Roll,  the  Primary  Class  entered  led  by  Miss  Louise  Browne, 
and  sweetly  sang  "Precious  Jewels,"  after  which  they  recited 
the  121st  Psalm. 

All  departments  present  joined  in  reciting  the  well  loved 
Shepherd  Psalm  and  the  Beatitudes. 

Mr.  Louis  V.  Sattele,  the  efficient  head  of  the  Junior  De- 
partment, conducted  a  historical  catechism,  the  children  re- 
sponding to  questions  concerning  the  history  and  progress  of 
the  church  and  Sunday  school. 

Mr.  Robert  O.  Fulton,  a  former  scholar,  and  now  con- 
nected with  the  Highland  Presbjterian  Church,  brought  greet- 
ings from  that  church  and  Sunday  school  in  a  pleasing  address. 

Supt.  S.  E.  Gill  followed  with  an  address  on  Sunday  School 
development,  a  memo  of  which  follows. 

"Onward  Christian  Soldiers"  was  sung  with  martial  en- 
thusiasm after  which  a  fine  address  by  Mr.  W.  G.  Landes, 
general  secretary  of  the  Pennsylvania  State  Sabbath  School 
Association,  followed.  Mr.  Landes  congratulated  the  school 
on  its  age  and  attainments  under  the  divine  blessing,  adding 
words  of  counsel  and  encouragement  for  the  future. 

The  interesting  exercises  closed  with  the  benediction. 

IQI 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH 

Synopsis  of  Address  of  Mr.  Samuel  E.  Gill 
General  Superintendent  of  Sunday  School 

More  than  one  hundred  years  have  rolled  around  since  a  few 
earnest  Christian  people  assembled  here  and  founded  this  Sun- 
day school  for  the  study  of  the  Scriptures.  The  Sunday  school 
of  that  day  was  in  some  respects  quite  different  from  the  Sunday 
schools  of  today,  and  as  an  organized  branch  of  the  Christian 
Church  it  was  comparatively  new.  In  1783  the  modern  Sunday 
school  was  founded  in  Gloucester,  England,  by  Robert  Raikes 
for  poor  and  neglected  children.  At  first  ordinary  studies,  such 
as  the  alphabet,  spelling,  reading,  etc.,  were  taught  and  the 
teachers  were  paid  a  shilling  per  day.  It  was  not  long,  however, 
till  earnest  people  saw  how  the  Sunday  school  could  be  made  a 
very  valuable  adjunct  to  the  Church  in  its  mission  of  teaching 
the  gospel.  Bible  classes  were  organized,  teachers  volunteered 
for  service  and  thousands  of  church  members  enrolled.  The 
Sunday  schools  soon  ceased  to  be  known  as  "Ragged  Schools" 
and  became  an  important  arm  of  the  church. 

It  is  not  a  settled  question  when  the  first  Sunday  school  was 
established  in  Pittsburgh,  but  we  have  authentic  accounts  of 
the  proceedings  of  the  Sunday  School  Union  of  Pittsburgh  in 
1822.  That  was  more  than  three  years  after  this  school  was 
founded. 

It  is  interesting  to  know  that  the  schools  of  that  date  held  two 
sessions,  one  in  the  forenoon  and  another  in  the  afternoon,  and 
that  the  sessions  lasted,  in  som.e  cases,  at  least,  from  two  and  a 
half  to  three  hours.  A  large  amount  of  attention  was  given  to 
reading  and  memorizing  the  Scriptures  and  it  is  on  record 
that  some  pupils  recited  from  memory  whole  books  of  the 
Bible,  notably  the  Gospel  of  John,  and  others  had  several  thou- 
sand verses  of  memorized  Scripture  to  their  credit. 

Then  there  was  but  one  room  which  was  used  for  church 
and  Sunday  school  purposes.  Much  of  the  time  church  service 
was  held  only  once  or  twice  each  month,  because  there  were 
but  few  ministers.  Now  we  have  a  separate  room  for  each 
department,  with  good  equipment  for  all  ages,  and  we  are 
specially  favored  with  a  fine  building  known  as  the  Kumler 
Memorial  Chapel,  largely  through  the  generosity  of  our  fellow 

192 


SAMUEL  E.   GILL 
Elder;   General  Superintendent  of  Sabbath  Soliool,   1919. 


CENTENNIAL   CELEBRATION 

laborer,  Mr.  James  I.  Buchanan,  whose  long,  faithful  and  effi- 
cient service  has  been  so  greatly  blessed  to  the  hundreds  who 
have  sat  under  his  instruction. 

Then  there  were  no  lesson  helps.  The  Bible  and  the  cate- 
chism were  about  the  only  books  used  and  in  some  instances 
Bibles  were  divided  into  several  sections  so  that  the  parts 
might  supply  several  classes.  Now  we  have  abundant  lesson 
helps  for  all  departments  and  all  ages. 

Then  there  was  no  system  of  lessons,  nor  any  grades.  Les- 
sons were  chosen  by  the  teacher  for  each  individual  class.  In 
1872  the  uniform  system  of  lessons  was  adopted  by  the  Na- 
tional Sunday  School  Convention  at  Indianapolis. 

Then  a  few  thousands  were  enrolled  in  the  Sunday  schools 
of  the  United  States.  Now  there  are  millions  and  through  this 
agency  comes  more  than  85  per  cent,  of  those  who  unite  with 
the  church  on  profession  of  their  faith.  Much  has  been  accom- 
plished ;  much  remains  to  be  done.  It  is  our  duty  and  our  high 
privilege  to  put  forth  greater  efforts  to  advance  the  Master's 
kingdom  and  to  make  the  best  possible  use  of  the  talents  with 
which  those  who  have  gone  before  have  so  richly  endowed  us. 


KJ3 


CENTENNIAL  MORNING  SERVICE 

April  13,  1919 

HE  morning  service  of  the  Lord's  day  opened  with 
a  happy  throng  of  people  gathered  in  the  main 
auditorium,  rejoicing  in  the  thought  of  all  the  way 
by  which  the  Lord  their  God  had  led  them  as  a 
congregation  during  these  hundred  years. 

The  pulpit  platform  was  a  scene  of  beauty  with  massive 
exotics  mingling  with  exquisite  flowering  plants  in  rich  profu- 
sion and  artistic  arrangement,  the  decorations  being  the  gen- 
erous gift  of  Mrs.  Eleanor  Lockhart  Flower  in  memory  of  her 
mother. 

After  the  organ  rendering  of  the  "Festal  Prelude,"  by 
Pruyn-Hall,  and  the  hearty  singing  of  the  doxology  of  praise 
by  the  congregation,  to  which  every  voice  seemed  attuned,  the 
usual  devotional  exercises  were  conducted  by  Dr.  Sneed  and 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Gearhart. 

The  fine  rendering  of  Handel's  inspiring  "Hallelujah 
Chorus"  from  the  "Messiah"  was  followed  by  another  Scrip- 
ture lesson  and  the  pastoral  prayer,  after  which  the  vocal  vol- 
ume which  resounded  in  three  verses  of  "America"  proved  that 
the  strong  patriotic  vein  in  the  worshipers  was  stirred. 

A  beautiful  feature  of  the  morning  w^orship  was  the  unveil- 
ing of  a  bronze  tablet  to  the  memory  of  Jacob  Negley  and  his 
wife,  Barbara  Anna  Negley,  the  initial  founders  of  the  church 
and  donors  of  the  property.  The  veil  was  gracefully  drawn 
by  their  youngest  great-granddaughter.  Miss  Sarah  Cordelia 
Mellon,  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Richard  Beatty  Mellon. 
The  impressive  scene  was  accompanied  by  an  appropriate 
presentation  address  delivered  by  Dr.  Sneed,  the  congregation 
standing  in  deference  to  the  occasion,  followed  by  their  join- 
ing, with  touching  reverence,  in  singing  the  following  hymn  of 
consecration : 

"Faith  of  our  fathers!    God's  great  power 
Shall  win  all  nations  unto  thee; 
And  through  the  truth  that  comes  from  God 

Mankind  shall  then  indeed  be  free: 
Faith  of  our  fathers,  holy  faith! 
We  will  be  true  to  thee  till  death." 
194 


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J::  r:  <^     o 


CENTEN-NIAL   CELEBRATION 

This  tablet  was  the  gift  of  the  following  grandchildren  of 
this  worthy  couple:  Sallie  M.  Negley,  Alice  AI.  Negley, 
Georgina  G.  Negley,  Alexander  J.  Negley,  the  surviving  mem- 
bers of  the  family  of  the  late  George  G.  and  Eliza  Johnson 
Negley,  both  of  whom  were  consecrated  and  devoted  members 
of  East  Liberty  Church,  the  former  being  in  official  connection 
during  the  greater  part  of  his  long  life. 

After  the  usual  offering,  the  choir,  in  an  artistic  manner, 
rendered  Mendelssohn's  Anthem,  "I  Waited  for  the  Lord." 

Dr.  Sneed's  historical  sermon  followed,  which  was  indeed  a 
masterly  production  in  quality  and  scope,  covering  in  general 
the  whole  era  of  the  century's  development  with  special  refer- 
ence to  the  period  of  his  own  eminently  successful  pastorate  of 
seventeen  years.  Dr.  Sneed's  sermon  in  full  is  recorded  in  a 
previous  chapter. 

Following  the  prayer,  a  rarely  beautiful  Centennial  Hymn, 
fraught  with  true  spiritual  import,  and  composed  for  the  occa- 
sion by  Dr.  Sneed,  was  impressively  sung  by  the  congregation. 

After  the  benediction,  and  organ  rendering  of  Demarest's 
"Festal  Postlude  in  C,"  and  the  usual  moments  of  silent  prayer, 
the  beautiful  and  spiritually  impressive  service  came  to  a  close. 

Some  very  interesting  historic  features  marked  this  memor- 
able occasion. 

Dr.  Sneed  read  the  Scriptures  from  a  Bible  which  the  Rev. 
John  Joyce  used  at  the  formal  organization  of  the  church,  and 
which  he  had  previously  brought  with  him  from  Ireland.  The 
Bible  was  bequeathed  to  the  church  by  his  nephew,  the  late  Ed- 
ward Joyce,  for  many  years  our  co-member.  It  now  rests  in  the 
church  archives. 

In  reading  on  board  the  sailing  vessel  which  brought  Mr. 
Joyce  to  this  country,  a  gust  of  wind  carried  off  a  few  of  the 
leaves,  otherwise  the  Bible  is  in  good  condition,  and  is  said  to 
date  back  in  the  Joyce  family  to  the  year  1772. 

An  interesting  coincidence  occurred  in  the  fact  that  Dr. 
Sneed,  without  any  premeditation  on  his  part,  selected  for  one 
of  the  morning's  Scripture  readings  the  same  selection,  Mat- 
thew, sixteenth  chapter,  which  Mr.  Joyce  read  on  the  occasion 
of  the  formal  organization  of  the  church  in  1828. 

195 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

As  in  life,  sunshine  and  shower  must  ever  blend,  a  touch 
of  sorrow  mingled  with  the  joy  of  this  happy  occasion,  when 
Dr.  Sneed  feelingly  announced  that  Mrs.  Susan  C.  Teeters, 
the  eldest  communicant  in  the  Church,  who  for  months  had, 
in  her  cheerful  manner,  looked  forward  to  this  centennial  cele- 
bration, had  been  suddenly  called  to  the  "general  assembly  and 
church  of  the  first-born  which  are  written  in  heaven,"  just  as 
the  eventful  day,  April  12,  1919,  was  being  ushered  in.  We 
miss  her  presence  and  inspiration,  but  rejoice  that  for  her, 
through  Christ,  the  victory  is  won  for  evermore. 

Greetings  were  read  by  the  pastor  from  the  Rev.  Benjamin  L. 
Agnew,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  the  third  pastor  of  the  church  and  only 
living  ex-pastor,  expressing  felicitations,  and  regretting  his 
inability  to  be  present  at  the  celebration. 

Letters  of  greeting  were  also  read  from  the  Rev.  Wm.  H. 
Roberts,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  the  veteran  stated  clerk  of  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  from  the  Presby- 
tery of  Pittsburgh. 

Cordial  fraternal  greetings  from  neighboring  churches  and 
individuals  were  referred  to  in  appreciative  terms. 


196 


CENTENNIAL    SERVICE 

OF  THE 

YOUNG  PEOPLE'S  SOCIETY  OF 
CHRISTIAN  ENDEAVOR 

The  Rev.  H,  A.  Gearhart 

HE  young  people  of  the  Christian  Endeavor  So- 
ciety, realizing  the  importance  of  the  Centennial 
to  the  church  and  to  all  of  its  activities,  felt  that 
the  occasion  should  not  pass  without  proper  recog- 
nition on  their  part.  Of  course  the  society  was  not  one  hun- 
dred years  old,  but  for  a  century  the  young  people  had  been  a 
part  of  the  church,  though  not  as  an  organized  force. 

Centennial  Day,  April  13,  at  6:30  p.  m.,  was  the  time 
selected  for  the  service.  The  Rev.  Wm.  Ralph  Hall,  of  Philadel- 
phia, superintendent  of  the  Young  People's  work  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church,  made  the  address.  He  took  for  his  sub- 
ject, "Motives  that  should  actuate  the  young  people  of  today." 
In  addition  to  congratulating  the  young  people  on  being  con- 
nected with  a  church  that  had  done  service  for  a  century, 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Hall  brought  greetings  from  the  Young  People's 
work  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

The  Junior  Christian  Endeavor  Society  attended  the  service 
and  under  the  direction  of  their  superintendent,  Mrs.  S.  H. 
Augustine,  contributed  a  selection  to  the  musical  part  of  the 
program. 

Many  societies  of  neighboring  churches  attended. 

Above  all  else  the  Centennial  left  this  impression  upon  the 
young  people  of  the  church,  that  they  are  in  possession  of  a 
great  heritage  and  that  the  future  holds  many  possibilities  for 
service. 


197 


EVENING  SERVICE 

April  13,   1919 

HE  evening  worship  opened  with  the  organ  ren- 
dering of  the  "Andante  Religioso,"  from  Mendels- 
sohn, and  the  usual  devotional  exercises  of  prayer, 
singing  and  responsive  Scripture  reading,  with  the 
soprano  solo  "Iniiammatus,"  from  Rossini's  "Stabat  Mater." 

A  picturesque  scene  was  then  presented  when,  amid  the  beau- 
tiful foliage  and  floral  setting  of  the  pulpit  platform,  little  Jane 
Shaw,  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  D.  C.  Shaw,  Jr.,  ascended 
the  steps,  and  at  a  signal  from  Dr.  Sneed,  daintily  unveiled  a 
new  and  distinctive  East  Liberty  Presbyterian  Church  Flag,  to 
be  dedicated  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  in  loving  memory  of 
Elizabeth  Kerr  Runnette,  who  entered  into  rest,  October  5, 
1918,  the  beautiful  flag  being  designed  by  her  mother,  and  pre- 
sented to  the  church  by  both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  H.  Runnette  and 
their  daughters,  Mrs.  Ethel  Runnette  Ramsey  and  Miss  Helen 
Virginia  Runnette. 

Dr.  Sneed  made  an  impressive  address,  marked  by  pathos 
and  patriotism,  in  which  he  spoke  of  the  young  life  thus  memor- 
ialized in  tender  terms  as  a  covenant  child  of  East  Liberty 
Church,  with  which  she  united  in  early  childhood,  and  her 
connection  with  \^'hich  was  never  severed  until  called  to  the 
upper  sanctuary.  He  cited  the  example  of  her  noble  life  and 
heroic  death,  saying  that  she  had  truly  made  the  supreme  sacri- 
fice for  her  country. 

He  then  explained  the  significance  of  the  flag.  Since  victory 
is  the  iippermost  thought  today,  it  is  eminently  fitting  that  we, 
as  members  of  the  body  of  Christ,  should  hold  aloft  the  assur- 
ance of  the  great  Captain  of  our  Salvation — "This  is  the  vic- 
tory that  overcometh  the  world,  even  our  faith."  This  quo- 
tation in  large  gold  letters  is  inscribed  on  a  white  silk  field 
edged  with  gold  fringe,  the  white  field  being  typical  of  the 
"righteousness  by  faith  of  Jesus  Christ,  unto  all  and  upon  all 
them  that  believe,"  and  the  gold  fringe  emblematic  of  the  King 

198 


CENTENNIAL   CELEBRATION 

and  the  Kingdom.  On  the  left  hand  corner  of  the  field  are 
seven  gold  stars  arranged  in  a  circle,  the  symbol  of  Eternal 
Life. 

The  Stars  refer  to  Revelation  1:16  "and  He  had  in  His 
right  hand  seven  stars" — the  stars  representing  His  messengers, 
who  are  held  in  His  right  hand,  the  hand  of  strength  and 
power. 

The  stars  are  outlined  in  blue,  the  heavenly  color,  recalling 
the  precious  promise  Daniel  12:3,  "And  they  that  be  wise  shall 
shine  as  the  brightness  of  the  firmament;  and  they  that  turn 
many  to  righteousness  as  the  stars  for  ever  and  ever." 

From  the  stafif  fly  three  ribbon  streamers,  the  blue  signifying 
Christ's  heavenly  origin;  the  purple,  His  royalty  as  David's 
Son;  the  scarlet.  His  sacrifice. 

On  the  blue  streamer  is  inscribed  in  gold  letters,  "East  Lib- 
erty Presbyterian  Church";  on  the  purple,  "April  12,  1819 — 
April  12,  1919";  on  the  scarlet,  "Rev.  1 :16— Daniel  12:3:" 

This  part  of  the  service  was  concluded  by  the  singing  of  two 
verses  of  "Fling  out  the  Banner." 

"Fling  out  the  banner!  let  it  float 
Skyw^ard  and  seaward,  high  and  wide ; 

The  sun  that  lights  its  shining  folds, 
The  Cross  on  which  the  Saviour  died. 

"Fling  out  the  banner!  wide  and  high, 
Seaward  and  skyward,  let  it  shine; 

Nor  skill,  nor  might,  not  merit  ours ; 
We  conquer  only  in  that  sign." 

The  usual  offering  followed  and  a  duet  from  Mendelssohn 
was  effectively  rendered,  after  which  the  large  congregation 
had  the  pleasure  of  listening  to  the  Rev,  Chas.  L.  Thompson, 
D.  D.,  representing  the  Presbyterian  Board  of  Home  Missions. 
Dr.  Thompson  filled  in  an  able  manner  the  place  which  had 
been  assigned  on  the  program  to  the  Rev.  John  A.  Marquis, 
D.  D.,  who  was  prevented  by  illness  from  filling  his  engage- 
ment. 

Dr.  Thompson  presented  in  his  usual  excellent  manner  the 
century's  development  in  the  work  of  Home  Missions.  He 
demonstrated  in  a   forcible  way   the  wonderful   achievements, 

199 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

by  the  grace  of  God,  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  past 
ten  decades,  and  in  no  less  lucid  style  portrayed  the  duty  for 
the  present  and  the  future  with  which  the  Church  in  its  con- 
secrated personnel  is  confronted,  amid  the  restlessness  and  dis- 
cord which  prevail  throughout  the  world.  He  emphasized  the 
truth  that  democracy  must  be  controlled  by  a  spirit  mightier 
than  itself,  even  by  the  Spirit  of  God  in  the  Church  of  the 
Living  Christ. 

We  regret  that  Dr.  Thompson's  own  synopsis  of  this  mem- 
orable sermon,  which  we  had  expected  to  incorporate  in  this 
book,  has  not  been  received. 

After  the  usual  closing  exercises,  the  happy  congregation, 
with  many  welcome  friends  of  other  days  and  other  churches, 
seemed  loath  to  leave  the  house  of  God  and  the  joyous  fellow- 
ship which  abounded. 


1 

i 

MEN'S  DAY 

April  15,  1919 
Attorney  J.  Roy  Dickie 

HE  very  word  "Centennial"  suggests  the  past;  the 
mental  gaze  is  directed  toward  the  years  that  are 
gone.  In  such  an  attitude  candor  compels  the  con- 
ch ision  that  the  women  have  been  the  dominant 
factor  in  church  work.  But  with  the  dawn  of  this  new  cen- 
tury comes  the  realization  that  now,  as  never  before,  the  men 
are  talcing  active,  energetic  action  as  real  Christian  workers. 
Hence  the  spirit  of  the  men's  dinner. 

After  an  informal  reception  for  the  guests  of  honor — where 
many  members  of  the  church  became  acquainted  with  each 
other  by  means  of  unique  name  tags — all  were  invited  down- 
stairs to  a  tastefully  decorated  dining  room.  During  a  most 
excellent  dinner,  prepared  and  served  by  the  ladies  under  the 
capable  direction  of  Mrs.  Kate  Edna  Negley  Gerst,  rousing 
music  by  an  orchestra  was  a  fitting  accompaniment  to  the 
cheerful,  hearty  singing  of  the  entire  body  of  men,  who  were  so 
enthusiastic  over  their  vocal  ability  that  they  sang  every  num- 
ber on  the  program,  and  many  that  were  not. 

When  dessert  and  coffee  had  been  served,  the  strains  of  the 
"Star  Spangled  Banner"  brought  the  first  part  of  the  program 
to  a  fitting  close, 

Mr,  Charles  A,  Fisher,  general  chairman  of  the  Dinner 
Committee,  presented  the  pastor,  Dr.  Frank  W,  Sneed,  as  the 
toastmaster  of  the  evening.  Dr.  Sneed  presided  with  graceful 
ease  and  charming  humor  throughout  the  succeeding  "feast 
of  reason."  He  presented  the  Rev.  George  Taylor,  Jr.,  D.D., 
moderator  of  the  Pittsburgh  Presbytery  who  extended  the  con- 
gratulations and  felicitations  of  the  Presbytery.  Dr.  Taylor 
was  followed  by  the  Rev.  George  W.  Montgomery,  D.D.,  mod- 
erator of  the  Synod  of  Pennsylvania,  who  fully  lived  up  to  his 
reputation  as  an  interesting  speaker ;  he  mingled  figures  and 
statistics  with  humorous  quips  in  a  fascinating  manner. 

20I 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

The  principal  address  of  the  evening  was  by  the  Rev.  John 
Timothy  Stone,  D.D.,  of  Chicago,  Illinois.  His  theme,  "The 
Twentieth  Century  Man,"  was  sufficiently  broad  to  permit  of 
wide  latitude  in  the  discourse.  He  was  most  entertaining,  in- 
teresting and  instructive.     A  synopsis  of  his  address  follows. 

Little  remains  to  be  said.  The  whole  occasion  was  good 
for  body,  mind  and  soul.  Palates  were  tickled,  intellects 
quickened,  and  hearts  kindled  with  true  Christian  love  and 
fellowship.  It  is  to  be  regretted  that  "centennials"  do  not 
occur  annually,  or,  better  still,  monthly,  if  each  could  bring 
the  men  of  the  church  together  in  such  beautiful  fellowship 
as  was  experienced  by  the  three  hundred  men  who  sat  down 
together  on  the  evening  of  April  15th,  1919. 


Resume  of  Address  of  Dr.  John  Timothy  Stone 

Dr.  Stone's  address  was  an  earnest  appeal  for  a  more  definite 
service  on  the  part  of  individual  men  for  individuals.  He 
referred  to  the  need  that  every  church  has  of  a  broad  and 
far-reaching  vision,  which  involves  the  world  field  and  relates 
the  individual  church  to  international  and  national  problems. 
He  spoke  of  the  wasted  energy  in  many  churches  through  mere 
organization,  without  the  personal  and  definite  association  of 
individual  men.  He  said  that  after  something  over  nine  years 
in  Brown  Memorial  Church  in  Baltimore,  which  had  appar- 
ently been  successful  in  its  external  and  public  influence,  he  was 
conscious  that  they  had  not  reached  many  of  the  younger  men 
and  the  stronger  older  men,  to  tie  them  in  to  specific  church 
responsibility.  He  then  referred  to  the  work  in  Chicago  in 
many  phases  of  its  personal  direction,  calling  attention  to  one 
method  of  procedure,  in  which  individual  men  had  met  regu- 
larly each  week  to  reach  other  men.  This  process  had  been 
followed  for  ten  years  and  with  much  success,  over  fifteen  huui 
dred  people  having  united  with  the  church  during  that  period 
as  a  direct  or  indirect  result  of  that  work. 

The  address  was  interspersed  with  many  personal  instances 
and  anecdotes  relative  to  the  subject.  He  called  attention  to 
the  fact  that  strong  men  must  face  the  responsibilities  within 

202 


RICHARD   BEATTY   MELLON 
Chairman  First  Trustees  of  Centennial  Endowment  Fund. 


CENTENNIAL   CELEBRATION 

the  church  today  with  their  time,  muney  and  personal  effort, 
if  results  are  to  be  gained.  "A  man  who  cannot  pray  in  an 
office  building  or  in  an  automobile  which  is  going  twenty  miles 
an  hour,  is  not  alive  to  the  spirit  of  his  own  age  and  the 
adjustment  of  practical  religion  and  the  necessities  of  the  pres- 
ent hour." 

Dr.  Stone  also  referred  to  the  necessity  in  the  great  com- 
munity church  of  having  a  sufficient  endowment  or  sustenta- 
tion  fund,  which  would  make  permanent  the  work  in  that 
community.  He  went  so  far  as  to  say  that  he  believed  that 
endowment  should  usually  equal  the  valuation  of  the  property 
of  the  church,  and  that  increased  gifts  on  the  part  of  the  living 
congregation  should  be  turned,  as  far  as  possible,  toward 
benevolence.  Practical  illustrations  of  the  value  of  this  phase 
of  work  were  given  from  his  own  parish. 

Dr.  Stone  expressed  his  appreciation  of  the  splendid  group 
of  men  who  faced  him,  and  said  he  knew  of  no  other  church 
in  the  country  which  could  surpass  that  gathering  in  the  quality 
and  spirit  of  its  men. 


203 


WOMEN'S  DAY 

Mrs.  William  M.  McKelvy 

EDNESDAY,  April  16,  was  set  aside  in  the  week 
of  the  Centennial  Celebration  as  "Women's  Day." 
The  many  meetings  held  in  preparation  resulted 
in  the  plan  to  devote  the  early  part  of  the  after- 
noon to  a  history  of  the  development  of  woman's  work  during 
the  century,  which  was  to  be  illustrated  with  living  pictures. 

This  was  to  be  followed  by  a  reception  in  the  lecture  room 
and  a  visit  to  the  curio  or  relic  room  in  the  chapel.  In  the 
evening  an  Old  Folks'  Concert  was  planned  to  conclude  the 
day's  celebration. 

All  our  friends  and  former  members  were  invited  to  be  our 
guests  for  the  day  and  evening.  The  pictures  were  imper- 
sonated by  our  young  people — the  children  and  the  women  in 
general.  The  First  Missionary  Meeting  was  unique  in  the  fact 
that  all  those  taking  part  were  either  charter  members  of  the 
society  or  became  members  in  very  early  days.  Mrs.  John  Gil- 
lespie conducted  the  meeting,  Miss  McConnell  was  the  secre- 
tary, while  Miss  Spahr,  Mrs.  J.  M.  Pardee,  Mrs.  Will  Mc- 
Connell, Mrs.  Harris  Crawford,  Mrs.  Samuel  Dickey,  Miss 
McCombs  and  Mrs.  R.  H.  Negley  were  in  the  pictures.  They 
were  all  attired  in  costumes  of  1870  and  seemed  to  enjoy  the 
bringing  back  of  those  days  as  much  as  the  forty  little  children 
did  in  the  first  picture  of  the  afternoon,  when  in  quaint  dress 
of  the  children  of  1819  they  assembled  for  school.  The  older 
children  of  this  group  were  afterward  the  wee  waiters  at  our 
Colonial  Tea,  in  the  lecture  room.  Each  tableau  was  a  true 
picture  of  the  costume  of  the  period  it  represented  and  many 
treasures  were  brought  forward  to  make  them  complete.  Our 
spinning  wheel,  the  quilting  frames  loaned  by  Mrs.  Jenkins, 
and  containing  a  partially  quilted  comfort,  were  genuine  in- 
deed. In  the  picture  of  war  work  of  1861,  honored  veterans 
of  our  church  passed  by  in  review. 

The  historical  paper  by  Mrs.  H.  P.  Pears  which  follows  will 
explain  the  nine  illustrations  of  the  various  periods  given  in 
the  tableaux.     First,   School  Children  of  1819;  second.  The 

204 


CENTENNIAL   CELEBRATION 


Quilting  Bee;  third,  The  Spinner;  fourth,  Work  During  the 
War  of  1861  ;  sixth,  The  First  Missionary  Meeting;  seventh, 
Our  Buds  of  Promise ;  eighth,  The  Spirit  of  Religion ;  ninth, 
War  Work  of  Today. 


Historical  Interpretation  of  Tableaux 
Mrs.  Valeria  M.  J.  Pears. 

Every  important  work  has  been  founded  because  some  one, 
some  time,  has  had  a  vision.  The  church  in  this  instance  is  the 
visible  result.  Long  back  of  the  organized  work,  springs  of 
interest  unrecorded  loom  up  today. 

But  before  I  begin  my  story  we  must  glance  backward  a 
century,  and  give  a  brief  sketch  of  East  Liberty  as  it  then 
appeared.  Your  imagination  will  be  duly  taxed  in  recalling 
the  Greensburg  Pike,  now  Penn  avenue,  with  a  few  old  log 
and  frame  houses  of  two  or  three  rooms.  Corner  of  what  is 
now  Penn  and  Collins  avenue  was  a  frame  steam  mill.  Upon 
the  site  of  McMurray's  drugstore  was  a  dilapidated  old  tavern 
with  extensive  stablings.  In  the  rear  of  this  a  frame  house  of 
very  small  dimensions.  Where  the  railroad  now  crosses  Penn 
avenue  another  small  frame  house.  Back  of  what  is  now 
known  as  the  Liberty  Block  an  old  log  tavern,  originally 
Thompson's,  afterwards  Beitler's. 

On  Black  Horse  Hill  another  of  the  same  called  Black 
Horse  Tavern,  and  the  old  Negley  mansion,  corner  of  what 
is  now  Negley  and  Stanton  avenues.  Then  dot  the  valley  here 
and  there  with  a  few-  log  houses  and  you  have  East  Liberty  as 
it  was  in  1819. 

The  real  action  of  the  tale  begins  in  the  center  of  the  above 
picture,  where  a  small  frame  schoolhouse,  16x20,  built  by  Mr. 
Jacob  Negley,  situated  near  the  site  of  the  present  church, 
where  children  of  East  Liberty  valley  gathered  daily  and 
learned  "  'Tis  education  forms  the  common  mind ;  just  as  the 
twig  is  bent  the  tree  inclines." 

The  early  settlers  enjoyed  few  religious  privileges.  Occa- 
sional services  were  held  by  ministers  of  various  evangelical 
denominations  in  this  small  schoolhouse  just  described.  In 
these  early  days — for  Pittsburgh  was  in  its  infancy,  having 
been  chartered  only  three  years  before — women  were  not  en- 

205 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

gaged  in  regular  church  work,  but  led  very  busy  lives  in  their 
homes,  looking  after  large  families  with  wool  to  spin,  stockings 
to  knit,  and  all  sewing  done  by  hand,  as  machines  had  not 
then  come  into  use.  There  is  ample  evidence  obtainable  not 
only  of  the  great  antiquity  but  also  of  the  wide,  almost  uni- 
versal, diffusion  of  the  art  of  spinning  antedating  weaving, 
which  was  also  the  occupation  of  the  women  in  their  homes, 
that  the  homespun  clothing  might  be  provided  for  the  families, 
that  known  as  linsey-woolsey  being  in  general  use. 

After  the  laborious  domestic  duties  enumerated,  it  might 
well  be  thought  that  there  was  little  time  for  any  sociability 
among  the  families  of  East  Liberty  valley ;  but  on  the  con- 
trary, many  were  the  occasions  through  the  year  that  the 
women  gathered  together  to  make  merry  and  to  assist  each 
other  at  the  husking  bees,  butchering,  apple  butter  making  and 
quilting.  These  were  festive  occasions,  particularly  the  latter, 
when  great  preparations  were  made,  for  the  Sunday  gown  must 
be  donned  and  an  early  start  after  midday  made  to  meet  at 
one  of  the  homes  to  participate  in  the  quilting  of  a  marvelous 
patchwork  quilt,  where  both  fingers  and  tongues  were  busy 
until  early  candle  light,  when  the  work  was  laid  aside  to  wel- 
come the  men  of  the  families,  who  came  to  partake  of  the  good 
cheer  of  a  bountiful  supper,  and  ending  often  in  the  young  peo- 
ple attending  a  spelling  bee  or  a  singing  school  with  a  sleigh 
ride  home,  and  M'hen  the  snow  fell  during  the  winter  the  merry 
music  of  the  sleigh  bells  and  happy  young  voices  could  be  heard 
over  the  hills  and  vallej^s  of  East  Liberty. 

After  the  Civil  War  broke  out  patriotism  ran  high.  Already 
the  news  of  the  assault  on  Fort  Sumter  had  resounded  through 
the  land  and  President  Lincoln's  proclamation  had  been  issued 
with  a  call  for  troops.  Pennsylvania  men  were  among  the  first 
to  respond,  and  on  April  1.5th,  1861,  20,175  brave  men,  almost 
double  the  quota,  joined  the  militia. 

The  Arsenal  on  Penn  avenue,  not  far  from  this  historic  spot, 
was  the  scene  of  great  excitement  and  increasing  activity,  great 
quantities  of  firearms  and  munitions  were  collected  for  imme- 
diate use,  and  while  precaution  was  taken  to  guard  night  and 
day,  an  accident  occurred  that  some  may  remember  today. 
The   rumbling  noise  heard  at  night   for  quite  a  time  in  the 

2o6 


CENTENNIAL   CELEBRATION 

vicinity  of  the  Arsenal  aroused  the  curiosity  of  the  neighbors, 
and  they  set  out  to  investigate  and  found  that  the  sound  pro- 
ceeded from  the  moving  of  firearms  and  munitions  to  a  place  of 
shipment  by  a  traitor  named  Floyd,  who  was  about  to  send  it 
to  the  Confederate  army. 

Troops  of  soldiers  were  passing  through  Pittsburgh  by  thou- 
sands with  the  same  disease  of  hunger  that  canteen  workers 
now  have  to  deal  with,  and  the  loyal  women  came  to  their 
relief  by  giving  edibles,  emptying  their  cupboards  of  all  pro- 
visions until  they  were  as  bare  as  the  traditional  cupboard  of 
Old  Mother  Hubbard.  Hut  this  was  inadequate  to  meet  the 
demands,  and  the  women  of  this  church  formed  with  others  all 
over  the  city  to  carry  on  a  scheme  of  great  proportions  to  raise 
money  to  provide  for  the  increasing  war  needs.  A  large  tem- 
porary building  was  erected  on  a  plot  of  ground  that  is  now  a 
park  opposite  the  Allegheny  market  house  on  Federal  street 
and  called  it  the  Sanitary  Fair.  Every  amusement  and  interest 
was  introduced  to  attract  the  populace.  People,  regardless  of 
creed  and  sect,  engaged  in  making  it  a  success.  Distinguished 
and  notable  people  from  all  over  the  state  became  patrons, 
and  the  name  of  President  of  the  United  States,  Abraham  Lin- 
coln, headed  the  list.  It  was  a  wonderful  success  and  lasted 
some  weeks.  Afterwards  old  City  Hall  was  used  as  a  place 
to  feed  all  soldiers  passing  through  the  city. 

The  women  of  this  church  threw  open  the  doors  to  all  who 
would  come  to  aid  the  war  work,  which  consisted  in  making 
hospital  garments,  bandages,  slips  of  pasteboard  covered  with 
calico  and  muslin,  and  scraped  lint  from  muslin  and  linen 
which  was  used  for  sores  and  wounds  in  the  army.  Probably 
the  precaution  for  sanitation  was  not  so  strictly  enforced  as  it 
was  in  this  world's  war — for  microbes  had  not  been  discovered 
and  "where  ignorance  is  bliss,  'tis  folly  to  be  wise." 

When  the  battle  fields  grew  closer  great  was  the  alarm  ovei 
the  cry  "The  Rebels  are  coming."  With  women,  to  be  fore- 
warned is  to  be  forearmed;  they  gathered  their  valuables  and 
buried  them  in  some  unsuspected  spot,  often  using  the  old  silver 
water  pitchers  as  the  receptacle  in  which  they  hid  their  treas- 
ures. 

207 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

From  the  beginning  women  were  a  part  of  the  Sunday 
school,  which  antedates  the  church  by  several  years,  although 
histoiy  tells  us  when  organized  at  its  first  session  Luke  Loomis 
and  Isaac  Harris  and  nine  children  composed  the  school.  But 
it  was  not  long  before  the  good  women  among  the  Baileys, 
Barrs  and  other  families  had  a  part  in  the  work,  although 
silent  are  the  records.  But  it  is  ever  so  where  women  are  con- 
cerned, for  St.  Paul  bade  them  to  be  modest,  therefore  their 
eiiforts  remain  unrecorded. 

Long  years  before  organized  work  began  for  Home  Mis- 
sions, women  met  together  to  sew  for  the  poor  and  for  mission- 
ary families  in  the  far  West,  to  whom  boxes  were  sent  to  sup- 
plement their  meagre  salaries,  and  many  letters  are  in  evidence 
bearing  testimony  of  the  joy  and  comfort  they  gave.  About 
1866  the  regular  organized  work  began  with  Mrs.  Wm.  B. 
Mcllvaine,  the  pastor's  wife,  as  president.  They  met  weekly, 
but  soon  found  that  all-day  sewings  were  necessary,  as  the 
workers  in  the  South  for  Freedmen  claimed  their  aid,  and 
finally  added  the  work  for  supplying  the  city  hospitals.  In 
1885  the  society  became  an  auxiliary  of  the  Pittsburgh  and 
Allegheny  Presbyterial  Society. 

Oh,  were  there  time  to  mention  the  names  of  these  faithful 
women  whose  memory  we  so  fondly  treasure!  But  there  are 
some  present  today  who  will  recall,  like  the  writer,  the  friendly 
social  group  of  v/omen  who  composed  the  Sewing  Society,  as 
it  was  then  called,  and  from  which  the  entertaining  items  of 
news  that  were  gathered  during  the  afternoon  were  related 
by  the  mother  on  her  return  home. 

It  was  not  until  1884  that  the  women  organized  for  foreign 
missionary  work.  Mrs.  Kumler  came  as  the  pastor's  wife,  with 
her  vigorous,  bright,  active  mind,  and  advanced  ideas  on  mis- 
sions, quietly  viewed  the  possibilities.  She  met  with  the  society 
to  sew  one  afternoon.  When  the  right  time  came  she  simply 
said:  "We  have  met  today  for  Home  Missions.  Next  Friday 
we  will  meet  for  Foreign,  for  they  are  all  one."  The  women 
came  and  the  cause  of  Home  Missions  never  suffered,  but  rather 
increased  in  interest,  as  is  shown  by  the  report  for  that  year, 

208 


CENTENNIAL   CELEBRATION 

box  work  amounting  to  $823.04,  collection  in  cash,  $1,114.17, 
a  total  of  $1,037.21.  But  we  have  anticipated  and  must  now 
turn  backward  a  few  years. 

The  Philadelphia  Board,  which  celebrates  its  fiftieth  anni- 
versary next  year,  endeavored  to  have  the  East  Liberty  Pres- 
byterian Church  begin  work  for  Foreign  Missions,  and  Dr. 
Gillespie  laid  the  matter  before  the  women,  but  they  were  so 
busily  engaged  in  Home  Mission  work  that  they  were  unwill- 
ing to  attempt  any  new  work.  So  he  appealed  to  the  young 
ladies  of  the  congregation,  and  one  afternoon,  with  Miss  Annie 
Graham,  Miss  Amelia  Spahr,  Miss  Lide  McConnell  and  Mrs. 
Springer  Harbaugh  in  charge,  the  following  young  ladies  met 
at  the  church:  Miss  Tillie  Paulson,  Miss  Annie  Imhof, 
Miss  Rebecca  Stotler,  who  became  the  treasurer.  Meetings 
were  held  from  house  to  house  each  Friday  afternoon  from 
October  to  April  to  make  fancy  articles,  and  in  the  spring  gave 
a  fair.  The  result  of  the  work  was  $150,  which  was  given  to 
the  general  fund  for  Foreign  Missions.  Mrs.  Edward  Negley 
was  the  second  president.  By  subscription  and  a  fair  $200  was 
raised.  The  next  year  the  society  pledged  this  amount  each 
year  towards  support  of  a  missionary.  A  treasurer's  receipt 
dated  Feb.  21st,  1874,  is  in  existence  for  money  given  in  sup- 
port of  Mrs.  M.  L.  Barker,  Rat-Nagiri,  India,  whose  husband 
first  established  that  mission  station.  In  1877  this  society  be- 
came responsible  for  the  support  of  Mrs.  Armanda  B.  McGuin- 
nis,  now  Mrs.  Goheen,  of  India.  This  sentence  in  one  of  the 
minutes  leads  us  to  believe  that  an  organization  existed  in  1870: 
"It  is  suggested  that  our  treasurer  get  a  new  book  as  the  old 
one  is  worn  out,  having  been  in  use  since  1870."  We  feel 
happy  that  almost  all  of  the  original  members  remain  to  greet 
you  today. 

There  have  been  a  large  immber  of  bands  and  auxiliaries 
formed  since  1870,  with  a  history  quite  as  important  and  effec- 
tive as  any  organization  in  the  church,  with  good  consecrated 
leaders,  who  have  been  an  inspiration  to  the  members.  But 
with  the  limited  time  given  to  me  it  would  be  impossible  to  do 
justice  to  the  subject,  especially  as  changes  took  place  from  time 
to  time,  merging  and   consolidating,  with  changes  in   leaders 

209 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

and  names  of  bands.  Among  the  last  to  be  formed  was  the 
Ladies'  Aid  Society.  It  is  just  ten  years  old.  They  look  after 
the  interests  of  the  church  and  do  the  box  work  for  hospitals 
that  was  formerly  done  by  the  Home  Missionary  Society. 

But  the  oldest  band  is  the  Buds  of  Promise,  organized  in 
1877  by  Mrs.  Daniel  Wallace,  Mrs.  Thomas  Patterson  and 
Mrs.  Jos.  Torrens.  After  the  death  of  Mrs.  Wallace,  Miss 
Lehmer  and  Miss  Amelia  Spahr  continued  it.  Then  followed 
Mrs.  Jno.  Gillespie,  Mrs.  A.  M.  Thorne,  Miss  West  McCay 
(now  Mrs.  Pardee),  Miss  Lizzie  Johnston  (now  Mrs.  R.  W. 
Patterson),  Mrs.  Kumler,  and  in  1893  Mrs.  Robert  Patterson 
again  became  the  leader.  For  over  twenty  years  Mrs,  Jno.  H. 
McKelvy  has  been  its  faithful  leader  and  hundreds  of  children 
have  had  the  missionary  spirit  implanted  in  them  as  the  result 
of  her  teaching.  Never  can  the  fruits  of  this  band  be  estimated 
as  only  a  partial  record  exists,  but  there  has  been  something 
like  $4,700  in  collections. 

THE  CROSS 
The  first  thing  one  looks  for  in  a  picture  is  the  principal 
object  or  the  painter's  point  of  view.  Everything  else  is  of 
secondary  interest.  Our  point  of  view,  the  culminating  point, 
which  all  these  past  activities  lead  us  to,  is  the  Cross  of  Christ 
at  which  all  points  meet.  "And  I,  if  I  be  lifted  up  from  the 
earth,  will  draw  all  men  unto  me." 

"See  heathen  nations  bending 

Before  the  God  we  love. 
And  thousand  hearts  ascending 

In  gratitude  above ; 
While  sinners,   now  confessing, 

The  gospel  call  obey, 
And  seek  the  Saviour's  blessing, 

A  nation  in  a  day." 

VICTORY 

W^e  have  arrived  at  the  last  decade  of  the  church's  history  and 
the  most  momentous  in  the  history  of  the  world.  Never  before 
in  any  country  or  any  age  has  there  been  anything  to  compare 
with  the  situation  that  has  existed  for  nearly  five  years.  Out 
of  this  vortex  of  savagery,  frightfulness,  and  cruelty  of  the 
world  war  arose  the  beneficent  ministration  of  the  American 

210 


CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 

Red  Cross,  the  most  potent  balm  for  the  relief  of  the  sick, 
wounded  and  dying  men  on  the  battlefields.  That  uplifted 
banner  with  the  emblem  of  the  merciful  cross  waving  over  the 
stricken  nations  of  Europe  bringing  hope,  cheer  and  comfort 
to  the  distressed  and  suffering  that  no  words  can  convey. 
American  women  enlisted  enthusiastically  under  this  banner, 
none  more  so  than  the  large  number  from  this  church,  spurred 
onward  by  that  service  flag  with  its  120  stars — three  of  them 
golden,  "The  Eternal  Jewels  of  the  Short-Lived  Night." 
Under  the  efficient  leadership  of  Mrs.  W.  N.  Frew,  over  two 
hundred  women  met  daily,  working  with  energy  and  ability 
that  could  scarcely  be  equalled.  The  heads  of  each  department 
showed  the  greatest  efficiency  and  faithfulness.  Women  who 
were  engaged  during  the  day  worked  evenings.  Every  call 
and  demand  for  service  was  met.  Sewing,  surgical  bandages, 
nurses,  ambulance  drivers,  and  canteen  workers.  The  vastness 
of  the  undertaking  may  be  gathered  from  the  following  report : 
115,163  surgical  dressings,  25,404  hospital  garments,  6,781 
knitted  articles  and  in  collections  $106,000.11.  With  this 
record  it  is  fair  to  assume  that  women  had  a  large  share 
in  winning  the  war,  and  today  stand  shoulder  to  shoulder,  in 
loyalty  to  their  country  and  to  their  flag,  that  shall  never  be 
lowered  for  any  other,  that  waves  in  its  spotless  beauty  and 
untarnished  glory.  We  have  room  but  for  one  flag.  It  has 
symbolized  but  one  emotion :  "My  country,  my  whole  country, 
and  nothing  but  my  country.' 


211 


OLD  FOLKS'  CONCERT 

N OTHER  capacity  audience  filled  the  church  on 
Wednesday  evening,  and  were  more  than  delighted 
with  "Ye  Olde  Folkes'  Create  Concerte,  by  Father 
Burchfield's  Singin  Skewl,  at  Early  Candle  Light." 

As  the  name  indicates,  it  was  a  real  old-time  performance, 
every  detail  planned  with  an  eye  to  avoiding  anachronisms,  even 
the  unique  program  printed  on  brown  paper  announcing  "Ye 
Lyste  of  Hymns  and  Worldlie  Songs  to  be  Sung  at  East  Lib- 
erty Presbyterian  Meeting  House." 

The  concert  was  ably  conducted  by  Prof.  Robert  J.  Mc- 
Dowell, who  for  many  years  has  been  the  efficient  director  of 
music  in  the  prayer  meeting  and  Sunday  school.  Miss  Josephine 
Babst,  prayer  meeting  pianist,  was  the  capable  chairman  of  this 
committee. 

Director  McDowell  was  arrayed  in  the  garb  of  a  mediaeval 
musician  and  the  performers,  numbering  more  than  sixty,  were 
arrayed  in  costumes  of  a  century  past,  while  a  quaint  little 
melodeon,  more  than  a  hundred  years  old,  belonging  to  Mrs.  R. 
Heberton  Negley,  graced  the  platform. 

The  audience  was  first  entertained  with  an  overture  on  the 
organ,  rendered  by  Mrs.  Huseman. 

When  the  opening  hour  for  the  concert  arrived,  electric 
lights  were  turned  out  and  with  them  withdrew  the  atmosphere 
of  the  present  era,  and  the  waiting  audience  was  once  more 
transported  in  fancy  to  the  East  Liberty  of  1819. 

All  eyes  were  turned  toward  the  rear  of  the  auditorium, 
where  twinkling  little  lights  seemed  to  fall  into  procession. 

Slowly  and  gracefully  the  singers,  in  their  quaint  and  beau- 
tiful costumes  of  the  long  ago,  marched  up  the  aisles  of  the 
darkened  auditorium  to  the  platform,  each  bearing  a  lighted 
candle,  and  singing  "Love's  Old  Sweet  Song"  in  harmonious 
unison. 

The  note  of  patriotism  was  struck  when  the  audience  joined 
in  singing  "The  Star-Spangled  Banner."    As  the  various  num- 

212 


CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 

bers  on  the  program  were  rendered  with  artistic  skill  by  chorus 
and  soloists,  one  round  of  genuine  applause  was  only  succeeded 
by  another  as  the  melody  was  caught  of  these  songs  so  old, 
and  yet  ever  able  to  strike  the  chord  of  a  fresh  response. 

To  many  in  the  audience,  sweet  memories  clustered  around 
the  old,  familiar  melodies,  memories  perhaps  of  days  gone  by, 
when  in  childhood's  care-free  hours,  these  same  songs  were 
sung  by  a  fond  mother's  loving  voice. 

The  second  part  of  the  program  opened  with  the  "Soldiers 
Chorus,"  a  special  feature  of  the  evening.  With  the  opening 
chords  of  the  song,  returned  soldiers,  members  of  the  congrega- 
tion, led  by  Uncle  Sam,  in  the  person  of  Mr.  William  Cotton, 
of  Bellevue,  six  feet  six  inches  tall,  marched  through  the 
church,  while  the  audience  stood  at  attention. 

This  number  was  followed  by  the  sweet  strains  of  "Silver 
Threads  Among  the  Gold,"  with  "Sister  Betsye  Cheerful 
Prentys"  at  the  old-time  melodeon,  from  which  she  succeeded 
in  extracting  melody  out  of  all  proportion  to  the  size  of  the 
instrument,  which  blended  harmoniously  with  the  rich  voices 
of  the  singers. 

After  singing  the  "Marseillaise"  and  "Home,  Sweet  Home," 
the  audience  dispersed,  feeling  as  though  they  had  really  en- 
joj'ed  the  simplicity  of  a  nineteenth  century  concert  carried  out 
with  talent  worthy  of  twentieth  century  development. 


213 


HOME-COMING  DAY 

April  17,  1919 

HE  great  celebration  would  have  been  decidedly 
incomplete  had  there  not  been  a  special  occasion 
provided  for  the  home-coming  of  the  absent  mem- 
bers of  the  church  family.  The  return  to  the 
parental  roof  of  former  individual  members  to  receive  a  hearty 
welcome  from  the  personnel  of  the  present,  afforded  a  happy 
occasion,  when  old  friendships  were  revived,  old  scenes  reviewed, 
and  a  general  hour  of  good  fellowship  enjoyed. 

In  addition  to  the  reception  of  individual  members,  East 
Liberty  Church  in  her  ecclesiastic  capacity  received  her  children 
to  the  third  generation. 

The  chapel  and  church  parlors  were  tastefully  decorated 
with  flowers  and  exotics,  with  our  own  dear  Old  Glory  and 
flags  of  the  Allies  and  the  newly  adopted  church  flag ;  drawing 
room  lamps  with  their  bright-hued  shades  and  mellow  light 
adding  to  the  effectiveness  of  the  very  homelike  scene. 

In  front  of  a  background  of  towering  exotics  stood  the  receiv- 
ing party,  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Sneed,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gearhart  and 
Mrs.  Gearhart,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Updegraff,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
M.  D.  Shields,  and  Mr.  Samuel  E.  Gill,  representing  the  elders, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  E.  C.  Merrill  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  George  B. 
Roessing,  representing  the  board  of  deacons,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Lewis  Hicks  and  Mr  and  Mrs.  Charles  H.  West  representing 
the  board  of  trustees. 

A  letter  of  congratulation  and  felicitation  from  the  His- 
torical Society  of  Western  Pennsylvania  was  read  by  Mr.  Wm. 
M.  Robinson,  in  the  absence  of  President  Wm.  H.  Stevenson, 
who  was  unable  to  be  present,  followed  by  letters  from  some 
of  our  missionaries. 

Dr.  Sneed  was  chairman  of  the  evening,  and  in  a  happy  and 
humorous  vein  introduced  the  pastors  of  the  various  churches 
which  have  gone  out  from  the  parental  roof  of  East  Liberty 
Church  to  build  up  a  church  of  their  own. 

The  first  church  to  go  out  was  Mt.  Olive,  which  later  united 

214 


CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 


with  the  Sixth  Presbyterian  Church,  and  was  represented  by 
the  pastor,  the  Rev.  B,  F.  Farber,  D.D.,  who  responded  in  an 
appropriate  speech  of  congratulation. 

Dr.  Hugh  T.  Kerr,  with  a  witty  speech,  brought  greetings 
from  Shady  Side  Presbyterian  Church,  the  next  child  to  leave 
the  parental  roof.  He  testified  to  the  gratitude  of  himself  and 
his  congregation  for  the  efforts  made  by  twenty-two  people, 
of  whom  eleven  came  from  East  Liberty  Church,  five  of  whom 
he  said  were  Aikens  and  two  Negleys,  in  organizing  this  im- 
portant church. 

Park  Avenue  Church  being  without  a  pastor  at  the  present 
time,  the  Rev.  Charles  Chalfant,  D.D.,  son  of  the  late  Rev. 
George  M.  Chalfant,  D.D.,  for  many  years  the  beloved  pastor 
of  Park  Avenue  Church,  expressed  cordial  greetings  in  a  humor- 
ous vein. 

The  Rev.  John  Alison,  D.D.,  followed  with  a  cheery  greeting 
from  Point  Breeze  Church,  which  went  out  in  1887,  when 
forty  members,  including  Elder  Charles  Arbuthnot,  organized 
another  center  of  worship  and  influence. 

Highland  Avenue  Presbyterian  Church  responded  in  the 
person  of  Dr.  C.  P.  Cheeseman,  their  first  and  only  minister, 
whose  long  pastorate  has  borne  abundant  fruit.  In  Dr.  Cheese- 
man's  response  he  paid  a  gracious  compliment,  when  he  said 
"Our  Mother,  although  a  century  old,  still  has  the  bloom  of 
youth  upon  her  cheek.'' 

Valley  View  Presbyterian  Church  responded  through  Mr. 
George  O.  Reemsnyder,  a  senior  at  the  Western  Theological 
Seminary,  who  is  supplying  the  pulpit,  and  in  a  pleasing  manner 
expressed  congratulations  and  good  wishes. 

The  Italian  Church  was  represented  by  the  pastor,  the  Rev. 
Giacomo  Maugeri,  who  brought  a  grateful  message  of  congratu- 
lation from  his  flock,  which  has  always  been  under  the  fostering 
care  of  East  Liberty  Church. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Watters,  D.D.,  pastor  of  the  Tabernacle 
Presbyterian  Church,  responded  with  cordial  felicitations  ex- 
pressed in  a  happy  vein  from  the  first  grandchild,  which  con- 
solidated  in  1906  with  the  First  Reformed  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Pittsburgh. 

215 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

The  Rev.  Paul  Sappie,  pastor  of  the  Lemington  Avenue 
Church,  with  which  another  grandchild,  the  Apple  Avenue 
Church,  united,  also  brought  congratulations. 

The  Rev.  P.  W.  Snyder,  D.D.,  pastor  of  the  Homewood 
Presbyterian  Church,  another  grandchild,  was  unable  to  be 
present. 

Dr.  Francis  W.  Crowe  responded  for  the  worthy  great- 
grandchild, Blackadore  Avenue  Church,  and  expressed  cordial 
good  wishes  for  the  future  prosperity  of  East  Liberty  Church. 

Another  interesting  feature  was  the  address  of  greeting  from 
the  Rev.  John  D.  McBride,  pastor  of  Beulah  Church,  who  no 
longer  feels  that  we  are  trespassing  on  her  ecclesiastic  boun- 
daries. 

The  eldest  communicant  in  the  church,  Mr.  Henry  P. 
Krebs,  for  many  years  a  member  of  the  board  of  trustees,  was 
remembered  on  this  occasion.  It  was  a  matter  of  regret  that 
Mr.  Krebs  was  unable  to  be  present,  but  his  daughter,  Mrs. 
Harry  W,  Fulton,  accepted  on  his  behalf  the  tribute  of  a  beau- 
tiful American  Beauty  rose  which  Dr.  Sneed  presented  in  the 
name  of  the  congregation  with  fitting  words  of  appreciation  of 
our  senior  member. 

The  relic  rooms,  with  their  cordial  guides,  were  an  attractive 
resort  for  all,  and  later  delicious  refreshments  were  served  in  the 
church  dining  room,  Mrs.  Kate  Edna  Negley  Gerst  and  her 
assistants  proving  themselves  efficient  entertainers  along  this 
line. 


216 


THE  RELICS 

Marguerite  M.  Elder 

N  interesting  feature  of  Centennial  week  was  the 
exhibit  of  relics  in  the  beautiful  rooms  on  the  sec- 
ond floor  of  the  Kumler  Memorial  Chapel.  The 
committee  in  charge  of  this  exhibit  consisted  of 
more  than  fifty  members,  several  of  whom  were  lifelong  resi- 
dents of  the  East  Liberty  valley  and  have  been  identified  with 
East  Liberty  Church  from  childhood.  This  committee  was 
organized  into  groups  and  for  several  Aveeks  a  diligent  search 
was  made  for  interesting  relics.  Old  trunks  were  opened, 
precious  treasures  unpacked  and  many  sacred  memories  thus 
awakened.  The  members  of  the  congregation  contributed  so 
generously  that  the  collection  of  rare  historic  treasures  was  not 
only  a  great  surprise,  but  a  real  delight  to  the  visitors. 

It  would  be  difficult  to  enumerate  the  most  interesting  fea- 
tures of  the  exhibit,  so  great  was  the  variety ;  yet  each  object, 
mute  but  eloquent,  revealed  something  of  the  life  and  customs 
of  the  noble  pioneers,  who  had  builded  so  well  for  future  gen- 
erations, and  whose  names  we  shall  always  revere. 

The  collection  of  rare  editions  of  hymnals  and  sacred  books 
included  the  Bible  used  by  the  Rev.  John  Joyce  when  he 
preached  his  first  sermon  to  the  East  Liberty  congregation  in 
1828. 

Another  interesting  Bible  was  an  illustrated  edition  printed 
in  Nuremburg,  dated  1747, 

Olden  time  song  books  used  by  the  choir  leaders,  small 
hymnals  without  the  music  and  with  almost  unreadable  print, 
especially  by  candle  light,  and  many  other  books,  equally  inter- 
esting to  the  book  lover,  covered  the  tables. 

The  valuable  collection  of  oil  portraits  included  those  of 
Mrs.  Barbara  Anna  Negley,  and  several  of  her  descendants,  as 
well  as  those  of  a  number  of  other  distinguished  citizens  of 
East  Liberty. 

Portraits  painted  on  ivory,  miniatures  and  old  ambrotypes, 
photographs  of  childhood  days  and  antique  costumes  brought 
to  mind  many  happy  days  and  dear  friends  of  long  ago. 

The  original  silver  communion  set,  consisting  of  twelve  mas- 

217 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

sive  goblets  and  two  tankards,  long  since  discarded  for  the 
modern  individual  sets,  was  suggestive  of  the  sacramental  serv- 
ices of  these  people  of  sainted  memory,  and  interwoven  very 
closely  with  the  life  of  the  church. 

The  beautiful  needlework  of  the  ladies  of  the  early  days  was 
well  demonstrated  in  the  quilts  of  every  age  and  pattern. 
Among  this  choice  assortment  was  a  beautiful  silk  quilt  made 
and  presented  to  Mrs.  Kumler  by  a  mission  band  of  the  chvirch, 
called  the  "Earnest  Workers,"  in  charge  of  Miss  Lizzie  Lig- 
gett. 

Most  attractive  were  the  samplers  worked  in  wool  on  per- 
forated cardboard.  The  quaint  scene,  suggestive  motto  and 
bright,  but  artistic,  color  scheme  showed  the  taste  and  industry 
of  the  girls  of  the  early  period. 

Cases  of  rare  old  china,  each  piece  with  a  history  all  its  own ; 
time  pieces,  lanterns,  candles,  chairs,  war  trophies,  and  many 
other  most  precious  and  valuable  articles  contributed  largely 
to  the  interest  and  success  of  the  exhibit. 

The  arrangement  and  care  of  the  relics  during  the  exhibit 
were  largely  in  the  efficient  hands  of  Mrs.  R.  Heberton  Negley, 
Miss  Sarah  Aiken,  Mrs.  Nathan  B.  Henry,  Miss  Minnie 
McFarland,  Miss  Fannie  Werdebaugh,  Miss  Alice  McConnell, 
Miss  Annie  Irwin  and  Miss  Mary  Ortman. 

The  exhibit  rooms  were  open  to  visitors  Wednesday,  Thurs- 
day and  Friday  of  Centennial  week  and  many  guests  enjoyed 
the  curios  and  recalled  happy  memories  of  bygone  days. 

GREETINGS 

One  of  the  many  gratifying  features  of  our  very  delightful 
Centennial  Celebration  was  the  assurance  through  the  many 
greetings  received,  that  our  distant  friends  were  with  us  in 
spirit,  and  that  their  cordial  thoughts  and  good  wishes  were 
wafted  from  all  directions  and  over  many  miles  of  space. 

Our  thoughts,  also,  were  of  the  absent  ones  whose  presence 
would  have  been  an  added  joy  on  this  occasion. 

Especially  was  this  true  of  our  missionaries,  those  who  have 
gone  into  the  Master's  service  from  this  church,  as  well  as 
those  who  represent  us  on  the  mission  field  at  home  and  abroad. 
To  each  and  every  one.  East  Liberty  Church  responds  with  a 
cordial  Centennial  Greeting  "In  His  Name." 

218 


CENTENNIAL  COMMUNION  SERVICE 

Good  Friday,  April  18,  1919 

H  E  Lord  Jesus,  the  same  night  in  which  He  was 
betrayed,"  said,  "This  do  in  remembrance  of 
Me,"  as  He  instituted  the  precious  memorial  of 
the  Lord's  Supper. 
So,  as  the  shadows  of  the  night  gathered  on  Good  Friday, 
the  generally  accepted  anniversary  of  the  vicarious  death  of  the 
Son  of  God  that  sinners  might  have  Life  Eternal,  the  church 
members  gathered  to  participate  in  the  Centennial  Eucharist. 
This  memorial  is  usually  celebrated  in  the  morning,  but  any 
one  who  has  ever  had  the  privilege  of  attending  a  similar  serv- 
ice at  night  will  agree  that  the  observance  under  such  condi- 
tions, all  else  being  equal,  is  fraught  with  a  peculiarly  impres- 
sive significance  and  solemnity. 

Dr.  Sneed,  with  the  assistant  pastor,  the  Rev.  Harry  A.  Gear- 
hart,  and  a  former  assistant,  the  Rev.  G.  A.  Frantz,  now  pastor 
of  the  First  Presbj^terian  Church  of  Van  Wert,  Ohio,  ascended 
the  pulpit  as  the  organist  rendered  Stainer's  "Processional  to 
Calvary."  A  hush  fell  over  the  large  audience  as  the  choir 
followed  with  the  appropriate  and  well  rendered  anthem  from 
"The  Crucifixion,"  "God  so  Loved  the  World." 

The  devotional  exercises  included  the  singing  of  the  hymn, 
"O,  Sacred  Head,  Once  Wounded,"  by  the  congregation,  and 
was  followed  by  a  baritone  solo  by  Mr.  James  C.  Baird,  for 
many  years  an  esteemed  member  of  the  church  choir.  The 
rich,  vibrant  tones  of  Mr.  Baird's  powerful  voice,  feelingly 
mellowed  to  the  strains  of  "There  Was  Darkness  Over  All  the 
Earth,"  from  the  same  oratorio  as  the  preceding  anthem, 
formed  an  impressive  prelude,  blending  into  the  choir's  fine 
rendering  of  "The  Appeal  to  the  Crucified." 

Another  hymn  was  sung  by  the  congregation,  followed  by 
the  reception  of  new  members,  after  which  the  Rev.  G.  A. 
Frantz  delivered  the  communion  sermon,  which  was  marked 
both  in  subject  and  delivery  by  an  impressive  spirituality,  afford- 
ing an  effective  preparation  for  the  spiritual  feast  of  the  Lord's 

219 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

Supper  which  ensued,  the  elders  assisting,  as  usual,  in  the  dis- 
tribution of  the  elements.  We  are  pleased  to  present  a  resume 
of  Mr.  Frantz's  address. 

Melodious  strains  from  the  organ  of  familiar,  well  loved 
hymns  floating  softly  through  the  auditorium  during  the  pass- 
ing of  the  elements  added  another  tender  touch  to  an  already 
soul-impressive  observance  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 

The  service  closed  with  the  usual  devotional  exercises,  the 
congregation  joining  in  the  precious  hymn,  "Till  He  Come." 

"Till  He  come !    O  let  the  words 
Linger  on  the  trembling  chords ; 
Let  the  little  while  between 
In  their  golden  light  be  seen ; 
Let  us  think  how  heaven  and  home 
Lie  beyond  that  'Till  He  come.' 

"See  the  feast  of  love  is  spread. 
Drink  the  wine,  and  break  the  bread : 
Sweet  memorials, — till  the  Lord 
Call  us  round  His  heavenly  board ; 
Some  from  earth,  from  glory  some, 
Severed  only  till  He  come." 


220 


SYNOPSIS  OF 
COMMUNION  SERVICE  ADDRESS 

The  Rev.   G.   A.  Frantz 
THE  LAST  WILL  AND  TESTAMENT  OF  JESUS 

HAVE  been  thinking  today,  through  the  hours 
our  Lord  has  been  hanging  on  the  cross,  of  His 
last  will  and  testament,  for  He,  too,  made  one. 
I.  He  had  some  property.  He  left  this.  What 
else  can  any  one  do  with  property?  But  how  different  from 
us  He  was!  He  did  not  seem  to  care  what  was  done  with  it. 
Wills  we  make  often  look  like  our  effort  to  reach  out  through 
time  our  dead  hands  to  control  forever  property  which  was 
ours  to  use  for  a  span  of  days  only. 

( 1 )  Plis  clothes  belonged  by  law  to  the  soldiers  who  slew 
Hnn.  They  took  them.  He  willed  it  so.  I  have  often  won- 
dered what  became  of  those  garments.  Did  they  make  those 
soldiers  better  men,  because  they  had  protected  His  dear  body? 
Perhaps  not;  no  more  than  our  putting  on  a  creed,  which  is 
the  garment  of  a  great  faith,  can  give  us  the  power  of  the  liv- 
ing belief. 

(2)  His  purse  He  left.  You  will  leave  yours.  There  are 
no  pockets  in  a  shroud.  Jesus  made  no  mention  of  it.  He  got 
it  who  wanted  it  most.  Judas  kept  it  for  the  thirty  pieces  of 
silver. 

These  were  His  items  of  property.  He  disposed  of  them 
in  a  way  befitting  their  worthlessness. 

II.     But  Jesus  had  some  treasures.    And  He  directed  speci 
fically  where  they  were  to  go. 

( 1 )  He  had  His  mother.  He  saw,  from  the  cross,  the 
pain  of  desolation  in  her  eyes ;  and  He  gave  to  her  another  son, 
and  to  John  a  mother.  It  is  so  that  He  gives  gifts  to  His 
beloved.     Treasure  yours  for  His  sake. 

(2)  He  gave  His  pardon  to  the  thief  who  knew  his  spirit's 
need ;  to  the  soldiers  for  their  dark  part,  though  they  knew  not 
that  they  needed  forgiveness.  We  share  in  the  rich  inheritance 
of  His  pardon.  Why  not  be  as  honest  as  the  thief,  and  ask 
for  it? 

asi 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY  PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

(3)  He  left  his  peace  to  His  friends.  None  other  can 
receive  it.  Pie  must  be  near  to  breathe  it  upon  us.  No  others 
have  peace.  There  is  no  peace,  saith  my  God,  to  the  wicked. 
There  is  no  unrest  to  His  pardoned.  His  peace  belongs  to  His 
pardoned. 

(4)  When  the  dread  darkness  was  passing,  and  all  was 
finished,  with  a  victor's  shout,  with  a  loud  voice,  He  cried: 
Father,  in  Thy  hand  I  trust  my  spirit.  In  a  very  real  sense 
He  had  never  taken  His  spirit  out  of  God's  hand.  He  willed 
that  it  should  rest  there  forever  and  forever.  That  is  the 
safest  keeping  for  our  most  priceless  treasure. 

On  the  old  landed  estates  of  the  old  world,  a  good  master 
left  some  thing  in  his  will  for  every  one,  from  eldest  son  t© 
lowest  servant.  So  we  have  a  part  in  the  "inheritance  incor- 
ruptible and  undefiled,"  left  to  us  by  the  last  will  and  testa- 
ment of  Jesus.  God  forbid  that  ours  should  be  the  garments, 
or  the  worn  and  useless  purses,  when  we  so  much  need  His 
pardon  and  peace.  "Father,  forgive  them."  "My  peace  I  give 
unto  you."  These  treasures,  O  Lord,  we  humbly  ask  as  our 
portion  forever. 


222 


SOLDIERS'  DAY  SERVICE 

April  19,  1919 

LARGE  concourse  gathered  on  the  afternoon  of 
April  19th,  when  the  atmosphere  was  permeated 
with  the  sentiment  of  Christian  patriotism. 

Veterans  of  the  Civil  War  and  the  Spanish  War, 
with  World  War  soldiers  and  Boy  Scouts  took  part  in  the 
beautiful  religious-military  services  incident  to  the  unveiling 
of  the  rich  bronze  tablet  presented  by  the  pastor  and  his  wife, 
Dr.  and  Mrs.  Frank  Woolford  Sneed,  to  the  church  in  mem- 
ory of  the  one  hundred  twenty  soldiers  who  went  into  their 
country's  service  from  East  Liberty  Church,  three  of  whom 
made  the  supreme  sacrifice. 

The  beautiful  "Pilgrims^  Song  of  Hope"  furnished  an  organ 
prelude  in  harmony  with  the  occasion,  after  which  the  audi- 
ence joined  heartily  in  the  singing  of  "America.'' 

With  Dr.  Sneed  and  Mr.  Gearhart  in  the  pulpit  were  Chap- 
lain George  M.  Duff  and  Capt.  Roy  F.  Miller,  a  member  of 
this  church,  who  entered  the  service  while  still  a  student  at 
Western  Theological  Seminary,  both  of  whom  we  rejoiced  to 
have  with  us  on  this  occasion. 

Chaplain  Duff  led  in  prayer,  after  which  Mr.  James  C. 
Baird  rendered  the  baritone  solo,  "Soldier,  What  of  the 
Night?"  in  his  usual  masterly  manner. 

Mr.  Gearhart  read  the  Scriptures,  and  the  choir  sang  a 
touching  anthem  from  Grieg. 

The  veil  was  then  drawn  from  the  artistic  and  rarely  beauti- 
ful tablet  which  graces  the  west  wall  of  the  transept,  by  Miss 
Josephine  Paull  and  Miss  Anna  Kahle,  sisters  of  two  of  the 
boys  who  were  called  higher. 

The  massive  tablet  is  of  bronze  richly  embossed  in  conven- 
tional floral  design,  with  wreathed  pillars  on  either  side,  the 
gift  being  a  beautiful  expression  of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Sneed's  affec- 
tionate appreciation  of  the  willing  and  patriotic  service  ren- 
dered to  their  country  by  the  soldier  boys  under  Dr.  Sneed's 
pastoral  care.     As  a  member  of  the  National  Service  Commis- 

223 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

sion  of  the  General  Assembly,  Dr.  Sneed  made  frequent  visits 
to  the  war  camps,  and  thus  came  in  close  touch  with  the  soldiers 
in  their  camp  life. 

The  tablet  is  inscribed  as  follows : 
IN  HONOR 

OF   THE    MEMBERS 

OF   THE    EAST   LIBERTY 

PRESBYTERIAN    CONGREGATION 

WHO    PATRIOTICALLY   ANSWERED 

OUR   country's    call    for    SERVICE 

IN   THE  GREAT  WAR  FOR 

THE  FREEDOM  OF  HUMANITY 
A.D.  1914  —  A.D.  1918 

AND  IN   LOVING  REMEMBRANCE  OF  THOSE 
WHO   THEREIN   MADE   THE   SUPREME   SACRIFICE 

ALVAN  CLEMENTS  CLARENCE  KAHLE 

*  • 

JAMES  DANA  PAULL 

* 

Dr.  Sneed's  able  address  of  presentation,  in  which  he  read 
the  foregoing  inscription,  and  Capt.  Roy  F.  Miller's  gracious 
response,  are  herewith  appended. 

During  the  service  a  deep  solemnity  pervaded  the  silent 
audience  as  they  stood  reverently  at  attention. 

Col.  Roseman  Gardner  addressed  the  Veterans,  the  Soldiers 
and  the  Boy  Scouts,  eloquently  exhorting  all  to  foster  the  spirit 
of  Christian  loyalty  and  patriotism. 

The  choir  rendered  "Allegiance  to  the  Flag"  and  the  con- 
gregation joined  in  one  verse  of  the  "Battle  Hymn  of  the 
Republic,"  which  concluded  the  services  in  the  auditorium. 


224 


MEMORIAL  SERVICE  TABLET 
Presented  by  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Frank  Woolford  Sneed. 


HONOR  ROLL 


ALVAN  CLEMENTS 
* 


CLARENCE  C.  KAHLE 
* 


JAMES  DANA  PAULL 
* 


M.  ELWOOD  AUGUSTINE 
PAUL  C.  AUGUSTINE 
.JOSEPH   S.   BAIRD 
ROBERT   J.    BAUMAN 
EDWIN  BLACK 
GEORGE  M.  BEVIER 
HERBERT  C.  BRENN 
FRANCIS  D.  BROWN 
JOSEPH  S.  BROWN 
NORMAN  B.  BROWN 
NfORWELL  B.  BROWNE 
GARRETT  DUNBAR    BRYCE 
LLOYD  W.  BUERMAN 
JOHN   C.    BUCHANAN 
EDWIN  P.  BUCHANAN 
CHARLES    C.    CRAWFORD 
MILFORD   CAREY,  JR. 
FRANK   S.   CRAWFORD 
CLYDE   W.   CAMPBELL 
ROBERT  W.   CLARK 
CHESTER   F.   CLARK 
HUGH   L.   COBB 
CHARLES    M.    CORBIT,   JR. 
GEORGE  S.   CUNNINGHAM 
A.  HOWARD  CARROLL 
CHARLES  M.  CHRISTLER 
EMERY  C.  CHAPIN 
DONALD  S.  CLEMENTS 
WILLIAM  A.  DUCKHAM 
GEORGE  M.  DUFF 
JOHN  WYNNE  DAVIS 
ROBERT  L.  DAVIS 
BURTON  A.  DARRACH 
ROBERT  DICKEY 
FRANK  W.   DICKSON 
EDWARD  J.    DIETER 
CLARENCE  F.  DOERR 
WM.  HENRY  DUNCAN 
HAROLD   W.   DUNCAN 
RAYMOND  S.   ECKLES 
ROBERT  N.  ENTWISLE 
HOWARD  FISH  EVANS 
WM.  CLYDE  FERGUSON 
CALVIN  WM.  FLEESON 
NEVILLE   A.    FLEESON 
IAN  FORBES 
WILLIAM  FOSTER 
HOWARD    R.    FISHER 
GEORGE  P.  FULTON 
HENRY   W.   FULTON 
WILLIAM    FREW 
WILLIAM   L.    FULLER 
ALLAN  BROWN  GRAHAM 
WILLIAM   GATES,  JR. 
RALPH  E.  GILL 
ALBERT  C.   GILL 
JACOB    E.    GRIME 
GEO.   VINCENT  HALLER 
RALPH   A.   HERROD 


WENMAN  A.  HICKS 
MISS  ELLEN  J.  HOBBS 
ALEXANDER  H.  HUNTER 
J.    SCOTT    HARTJE 
FRANK   SNEED   HAINER 
J.    RUPLE    HAINER 
THEODORE    F.    HANNA 
C.   DIXON  HARNACK 
HOWARD  DEF.  ISRAEL 
CHARLES    W.    JENNINGS 
EDWARD  A.   KEISLING 
MARSHALL    B.    KIEHL 
WILLIAM    C.    KING 
VERNARD   A.   KIRSCHLER 
WILLIAM  M.  LAIRD 
WM.    A.    LUBBERT 
CHAS.    A.    LUBBERT 
L.    THAYER    LYON 
PRESCOTT  L.   LYON 
J(^SEPH    S.    MATSON 
RALPH   K.   MERRILL 
RICHARD   KING   MELLON 
LESLIE    MacM.    MERRILL 
HENRY   C.    MURRAY 
ROY    F.    MILLER 
MATTHEW  T.   MELLON 
ROBERT  B.  MILLER 
EARL   MITCHELL 
ROLAND   M.    MORGAN 
A.    H.    McCLELLAND 
J.  CLARENCE  MCCARTHY 
ARTHUR    D.    McILVAINE 
WILLIAM    F.    McAFEE 
C.    LOCKHART    McKELVEY 
W.   J.    McSHANNIC 
THOMAS   D.   NEWELL,   JR. 
HARRY   E.   OVER 
WALTER   W.   PARDEE 
GEORGE   PAULL 
JAMES   T.    PRENTICE 
JAMES  H.   PHILLIPS 
EARL   REICHARD 
EDMUND    W.    RIDALL 
THOMAS   S.    SCHULTZ 
EUGENE   M.   SCHUMAN 
JAMES    R.   SHARP 
GEORGE  R.  SLOAN 
MARCUS   A.   SMITH 
ROBT.    NELSON   SOPER,   JR. 
ALDUS   K.   SHENK 
BURTON   J.    SPEAKER 
SIDNEY   A.    STEWART 
SUMNER  EVANS  THOMAS 
L.    WAINWRIGHT  VOIGHT 
ELMER    S,    WARD 
JOHN  WHITE 

SAMUEL  BRAINARD  WEST 
ZAREH    EDWIN    YARDUM 


CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 

ADDRESS  OF  PRESENTATION 

The  Rev.  Frank  Woolford  Sneed,  D.D. 

This  has  been  a  great  week  in  the  life  of  East  Liberty  Church. 
It  is  personally  gratifying  to  me  that  two  of  the  one  hundred 
twenty  names  of  our  Honor  Roll  are  ministers,  Chaplain  Geo. 
M.  Duff  and  Capt.  Roy  F.  Miller. 

This  Centennial  week  would  be  incomplete  unless  some 
special  recognition  was  made  of  the  one  hundred  twenty  mem- 
bers of  the  congregation  who  responded  to  their  country's 
call.  I  feel  that  I  speak  not  only  for  myself  but  for  the  whole 
church  when  1  say  that  you  are  the  idol  of  our  hearts.  And 
we  say  this  with  no  lack  of  appreciation  of  the  valuable  services 
of  those  who  remained  at  home.  It  is  a  joy  to  me  to  testify 
to  the  faithful,  untiring  labors  of  those  who  could  not  go. 
Scores  of  men  and  women  finished  the  tasks  you  left  unfinished 
when  your  country  called  you ;  and  some  broke  down  beneath 
the  load,  and  thus  made  the  supreme  sacrifice  as  really  as  those 
who  fell  in  action.  But  even  these,  if  they  could  speak  to  us 
today,  would  say,  Give  first  place  to  those  who  wore  the  uni- 
form. 

To  you  was  committed  a  difficult  and  perilous  task ;  and  you 
did  not  fail.  Future  generations  will  tell  of  you  and  your 
achievements,  and  will  revere  your  memory  as  we  revere  the 
memory  of  the  fathers  of  '76. 

It  was  my  duty  and  privilege  many  times  to  speak  to  the  men 
in  uniform  before  they  Vv^ent  overseas.  These  occasions  stirred 
me  deeply.  Twice  I  was  asked  to  speak  at  a  flag  raising  when 
groups  of  soldiers  were  present.  This  was  the  feeling  that 
possessed  me,  and  to  it  I  was  impelled  to  give  expression :  The 
most  precious  thing  to  a  true  American  citizen  is  that  flag  we 
call  Old  Glory.  It  has  never  been  borne  by  an  army  of  oppres- 
sion, but  has  always  led  an  army  of  deliverance.  It  stands,  as 
our  President  has  said,  "for  honor;  not  for  advantage,''  and  it 
has  never  been  defeated  in  war. 

You  can  imagine  the  feelings  of  those  at  home  when  they 
placed  it  in  your  hands  and  started  you  on  your  long  and 
perilous  journey.     Those  were  anxious  days  a  year  ago  when 

225 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

mile  after  mile  the  Allied  army  was  pushed  back  toward  Pans, 
and  we  knew  that  our  own  fellows,  bearing  our  flag,  were 
drawing  near  and  nearer  to  the  front  line  every  hour.  Men, 
we  worked  with  a  fury;  we  thought  deeply;  and  we  prayed 
often.  Every  day,  at  twelve  o'clock,  the  old  church  bell  was 
rung  to  remind  people,  far  and  near,  to  stop  and  pray. 
The  faithful  Red  Cross  workers  turned  aside  from  their  im- 
portant task  for  five  minutes  and  bowed  their  heads  and  lifted 
up  their  hearts  to  the  God  of  battles.  The  good  women  gath- 
ered here  every  Thursday  morning  for  prayer,  and  for  prayer 
alone. 

News  came  that  things  looked  desperate,  and  that  General 
Pershing  had  decided  to  throw  into  the  breach  our  best- 
seasoned  troops,  the  regulars  and  the  marines.  The  nation  was 
on  tiptoe;  men  and  women  spoke  to  eath  other  in  subdued 
tones,  when  speak  they  must;  we  knew  our  boys  were  dying; 
we  were  nerved  for  the  sacrifice,  but  would  it  avail  ?  The  fu- 
ture of  the  world  was  at  stake.  Men,  it  was  a  supreme  hour  for 
you,  and  for  us.  I  can  assure  you  that  we  were  all  in  that 
battle.  Some  of  you  in  uniform  were  on  the  firing  line ;  others, 
denied  this  privilege,  would  gladly  have  exchanged  places  with 
3'ou.  Young  men  and  women  at  home  were  working  as  though 
all  depended  on  them.  Aged  men  and  women,  who  could  do 
little  else,  lived  with  God  in  prayer. 

Then  the  news  came  that  the  line  held  fast,  the  Hun  was 
stopped  and  his  retreat  had  begun,  from  which  you  never 
allowed  him  respite  until  he  cried  for  mercy.  From  the  hearts 
of  millions,  from  assembled  congregations,  went  up  to  God 
thanksgiving,  genuine  and  true.  'Traise  God  from  whom  all 
blessings  flow,''  we  sang  with  a  new  meaning.  We  honor  you 
for  what  you  did  in  that  crucial  hour. 

We  want  to  honor  you  also  for  what  you  are.  We  believe 
you  are  the  cleanest,  bravest  and  best  army  that  was  ever  put 
into  the  field.  ]\lake  no  mistake;  we  are  under  no  delusion 
regarding  you.  We  followed  you  with  rather  critical  eye. 
We  knew  that  you  could  not  be  moral  failures  and  at  the  same 
time  military  successes,  and  there  was  too  much  at  stake  to 
take  any  risk.  This  is  why  many  even  men  of  the  world  joined 
with  the  church  in  providing,  at  great  cost,  the  things  neces- 

226 


CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 

sary  for  your  moral  and  spiritual  welfare.  Some,  to  be  sure,, 
made  moral  failures,  but  most  of  you  have  come  back  braver 
and  better  men  than  you  were  before.  You  have  caught  the 
spirit  of  the  noble  ideal  expressed  by  our  President  to  the  first 
departing  army,  September  3,  1917,  when  he  said:  "You  are 
undertaking  a  great  duty.  The  heart  of  the  whole  country  is 
with  you.  The  eyes  of  the  whole  world  will  be  upon  you, 
because  you  are,  in  some  special  sense,  the  soldiers  of  freedom. 
Keep  yourselves  fit  and  straight  in  everything,  and  pure  and 
clean  through  and  through.  Let  us  set  a  standard  so  high  that 
it  will  be  a  glory  to  live  up  to  it,  and  then  let  us  live  up  to  it, 
and  add  a  new  laurel  to  the  crown  of  America."  And  you 
have.     For  this  we  want  to  honor  you. 

This  high  standard  we  believe  you  will  continue  to  main- 
tain. You  are  again  among  us  to  rejoice  our  hearts  and 
to  inspire  our  confidence.  We  only  wish  that  all  the  rest  could 
be  here  today. 

My  comrades,  I  wonder  if  you  realize  the  significance  of  this 
tablet  bearing  your  names,  about  to  be  unveiled.  The  highest 
honor  the  church  can  confer  upon  her  members  is  to  allow 
their  names  to  be  inscribed  within  her  sacred  walls  while  they 
yet  live.  In  thus  honoring  the  dead  we  take  no  risk,  for  their 
work  is  finished ;  but  in  thus  honoring  the  living,  we  express 
a  confidence  that  should  to  you  be  inspiring. 

And  now  a  word  for  those  who  cannot  speak — who  will  not 
come  back — who  made  the  supreme  sacrifice.  Three  gold  stars 
appear  upon  the  tablet.  They  mark  the  names  of  those  who 
sleep. 

JAMES  DANA  PAULL  ALVAN  CLEMENTS 

•  * 

CLARENCE  COURTNEY  KAHLE 

• 

"Rest  ye  in  peace,  ye  Flanders  dead. 
The  fight  that  ye  so  bravely  led 
We've  taken  up.     And  we  will  keep 
True  faith  with  j'ou  who  lie  asleep 
With  each  a  cross  to  mark  his  bed, 

227 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH 

And  poppies  blowing  overhead, 
Where  once  his  own  life  blood  ran  red. 
So  let  your  rest  be  sweet  and  deep, 
In  Flanders  fields. 

"Fear  not  that  ye  have  died  for  naught, 
The  torch  yc  threw  to  us  we  caught, 
Ten  million  hands  will  hold  it  high, 
And  Freedom's  light  shall  never  die! 
We've  learned  the  lesson  that  you  taught 
In  Flanders  fields." 


"Soldier,  rest!  thy  warfare  o'er, 

Sleep  the  sleep  that  knows  not  breaking ; 
Dream  of  battled  fields  no  more. 

Days  of  danger,  nights  of  waking." 


23S 


CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 

ADDRESS  OF  ACCEPTANCE  OF 
MEMORIAL  TABLET 

Capt.  Roy  F.  Miller 

If  1  were  to  describe  my  feelings  in  coming  here  I  would  say 
they  were  reluctant — reluctant  not  because  of  this  speaking,  for 
I  deem  it  a  privilege ;  not  because  of  the  surroundings,  for  I  con- 
sider them  home ;  but  I  am  reluctant  to  accept  for  my  comrades 
a  gift  which  to  every  thinking  man  in  uniform  appears  like  im- 
posing on  good  nature.  You  have  so  filled  our  cup  with  your 
kindness  that  it  has  long  since  run  over.  We  feel  that  this 
tablet  should  rather  have  been  our  gift  to  you,  your  memorial 
rather  than  ours. 

When  the  call  first  came  in  the  spring  of  1917,  and  then 
successively  throughout  the  following  eighteen  months,  it  was 
the  mothers  and  fathers,  sisters  and  brothers  that  were  left 
behind  that  played  the  parts  of  heroines  and  heroes.  Many 
has  been  the  gray-haired  mother  who  has  sent  away  a  son  with 
a  smile  and  then  climbed  to  the  attic  or  some  other  retreat  to 
hide  the  tears  that  a  smile  could  no  longer  cover.  Many  has 
been  the  sister  who  has  waved  an  enthusiastic  good-bye  with  a 
handkerchief  and  then  when  the  train  was  out  of  sight  used 
that  same  handkerchief  to  wipe  the  eyes  that  no  longer  could 
feign  a  cheerful  "Good-bye!   Good  luck!    God  bless  you." 

I  would  not  for  a  minute  underestimate  our  own  feelings  at 
that  time,  but  when  we  reached  camp  we  forgot  about  it. 
There  everything  was  hustling  from  morning  until  night  and 
when  there  was  no  work,  there  were  so  many  companions  to 
sympathize  and  jolly  with  that  a  person  could  not  get  blue  if 
he  wanted  to.  But  it  was  different  with  you.  You  had  the 
more  sober  lot.  Yours  were  clothes  of  sombre  shades,  in  fact 
black  at  times — ours  were  the  uniforms  with  all  their  splendor 
and  color.  Yours  were  fears  by  day  and  dread  by  night — ours 
was  a  loss  of  fear  and  dread.  You  had  the  soot  and  the  grime 
and  the  toil  without  the  glory.  We  had  some  of,  the  toil  and 
a  little  mud,  but  to  us  was  given  the  glory.  So  I  say  that 
every  thinking  soldier  is  reluctant  of  still  further  honor  after 
you  have  done  so  much.  He  would  rather  see  yonder  tablet 
engraved:     "To  the  thousands  of  unarmed  who  never  had  the 

239 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

chance  to  don  a  uniform,  but  fought  the  fight  of  freedom 
where  they  stood — heroes  and  heroines  in  the  dress  of  common 
life." 

Yet  since  the  cast  has  been  made  and  the  letters  set,  we  can 
do  no  more  than  bow  before  your  kindness  which  has  ever  been 
in  remembrance  of  us  and  forgetful  of  yourself. 

We  accept  it  with  the  deepest  feeling  of  gratitude  and  only 
wish  that  we  might  have  done  more  to  merit  it. 

"Stand  Men!"  while  I  speak  these  last  few  words.  May  it 
be  to  us  an  inspiration  to  greater  achievement.  I  am  quoting 
from  Lowell : 

"New  occasions  teach  new  duties; 

Time  makes  ancient  good  uncouth, 
They  must  upward  still,  and  onward 

Who  would  keep  abreast  with  Truth, 
Lo,  before  us  gleam  her  camp-fires! 
We  ourselves  must  Pilgrims  be, 
Launch  our  Mayfloiuer  and  steer  boldly 

Through  the  desperate  winter  sea, 
Nor  attempt  the  Future's  portal 

With  the  Past's  blood-rusted  key." 
Let  it  not  be  the  stopping  place  of  our  endeavors  but  inspired 
by  the  achievement  it  represents,  press  on. 

To  others  who  may  see  it  now  and  in  the  future  may  it  stand 
as  a  monument  to  freedom — a  glorious  record  of  the  price  this 
church  not  only  paid  but  was  willing  to  pay. 


After  this  impressive  service,  the  comrades  of  three  wars,  fol- 
lowed by  the  congregation,  marched  to  the  church  lawn,  where 
appropriate  exercises  incident  to  the  planting  of  a  tree  on  the 
Penn  avenue  side  of  the  lawn  in  honor  of  the  members  of  the 
congregation  who  served  in  the  World  War  were  conducted. 
Comrade  D.  C.  Shaw  was  chairman  of  the  committee  of  ar- 
rangements; Comrade  Roseman  Gardner  acted  as  commander; 
Comrade  S.  E.  Gill  made  the  presentation  address;  Captain 
Wm.  Duckham  responded  for  his  comrades.  Comrade  Gill 
spoke  as  follows: 

Comrades  of  the  Civil  War,  of  the  Spanish-American  War, 
and  the  World  War;  We  are  assembled  here  this  afternoon 
on  historic  ground  upon  a  historic  occasion.  One  hundred 
years  ago  there  was  established  upon  this  spot  an  organization 

230 


CENTENNIAL   CELEBRATION 

the  influence  of  which  has  been  broadening  and  increasing 
through  all  the  intervening  years,  and  which  we  trust  will 
continue  to  grow  through  all  the  ages.  One  hundred  and  forty- 
three  years  ago  our  nation  had  its  birth.  It  was  born  in  war, 
its  foundations  were  laid  in  liberty-loving  patriotism  and 
cemented  with  the  blood  of  the  heroes  of  the  Revolution. 

A  period  of  peace  and  national  growth  was  broken  by  the 
War  of  1812,  when  our  nation  was  again  called  upon  to  sacri- 
fice her  sons  in  the  cause  of  liberty.  Again  victory  crowned 
our  arms  and  peace  prevailed.  None  of  the  soldiers  of  those 
early  wars  remain  to  be  called  comrades.  All  have  answered 
the  roll  call  of  the  Great  Commander.  Three  decades  of  peace 
rolled  by  when  again  the  tocsin  of  war  was  sounded  and  our 
citizen  soldiers  rallied  to  the  defense  of  the  Lone  Star  State 
which  had  sought  and  obtained  admission  to  the  Union  after 
separating  herself  from  the  Republic  of  Mexico.  Here,  too, 
success  crowned  our  arms,  although  it  is  at  least  questionable 
whether  that  victory  was  one  of  which  to  be  proud. 

For  years  prior  to  that  time  other  storm  clouds  had  been 
appearing  upon  the  horizon  of  our  national  life  and  following 
the  election  of  Abraham  Lincoln  to  the  presidency  in  1860  war 
between  the  states  burst  into  flame  April,  186L  It  was  no 
foreign  foe  we  were  called  upon  to  face,  but  our  brothers — 
men  of  the  same  lineage,  of  the  same  faith,  of  the  same  tradi- 
tions, with  a  common  heritage,  but  divided  on  moral  and  eco- 
nomic questions.  They  of  the  Southland  cherished  slavery  and 
the  doctrine  of  State  sovereignty.  We  of  the  North  believed 
in  freedom  for  all  men,  and  that  the  Union  was  one  and  indi- 
visible. Four  years  of  bitter  warfare  ensued ;  millions  of  men 
were  called  to  arms,  brother  against  brother.  A  million  men 
laid  down  their  lives  for  their  faith  in  their  cause.  Out  of  this 
terrific  conflict  the  Union  forces  emerged  victorious — the 
Union  was  preserved  and  disunion  forever  laid  to  rest. 

The  cause  of  justice  and  liberty  had  again  triumphed  and 
peace  reigned  till  1898,  when  the  cruelty  of  Spain  to  our  island 
neighbor,  Cuba,  so  stirred  the  hearts  of  our  people  that  war 
ensued.  Short,  sharp  and  decisive  was  the  conflict,  with  victory 
perching  upon  Old  Glory  and  a  new  nation  was  born  into  the 
community  of  liberty-loving  peoples. 

?3i 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

And  last  of  all  came  the  great  and  unparalleled  war  in 
Europe  in  1914,  which  gradually  drew  into  it  nearly  all  the 
nations,  including  our  own  in  1917,  so  that  it  has  become 
known  as  the  World  War.  So  fierce  was  the  conflict  and  so 
great  were  the  issues  at  stake  that  more  than  four  million  of 
our  young  men  were  called  to  the  colors,  some  to  camp,  some 
to  high  sea  duty,  some  to  the  trenches  and  the  field  of  battle, 
while  others  plowed  the  heavens  in  that  new  engine  of  battle 
— the  flying  machine.  That  war  is  now  happily  over.  It  was 
fought  in  the  interest  of  humanity  and  liberty  against  an  un- 
scrupulous and  ambitious  tyranny  which  aimed  at  the  domina- 
tion of  the  world. 

Monuments  have  been  erected  in  all  ages  to  the  memory  of 
the  heroes,  living  and  dead,  who  in  times  of  stress  and  danger 
willingly  laid  their  lives  upon  the  altar  of  their  country,  loving 
right  and  liberty  better  than  life.  Today,  comrades  of  the 
World  War,  we  are  assembled  here  to  place  a  memorial  in 
honor  of  those  who  from  East  Liberty  Presbyterian  Church, 
went  forth  to  meet  the  Huns,  to  overthrow  autocracy  and  to 
demonstrate  once  more  that  America  stands  for  liberty,  for 
humanity  and  for  the  right.  Three  of  your  noble  band  "have 
given  the  last  full  measure  of  devotion,"  James  D.  Paull,  Clar- 
ence Kahle  and  Alvan  Clements.  We  come  not  to  erect  a 
monument  of  granite  or  marble  or  bronze,  but  to  place  here  a 
living  memorial  which  shall  grow  as  the  years  roll  on  and  un- 
der the  shade  of  which  you  may  take  repose  in  days  to  come  and 
here  recite  to  each  other  and  to  your  children  the  stirring  scenes 
from  the  call  to  arms  in  1917  to  the  days  of  victory  in  1918. 

It  is  fitting  that  this  church,  founded  one  hundred  years  ago, 
called  East  Liberty,  in  a  liberty-loving  and  liberty-promoting 
land  and  which  has  lived  and  grown  through  all  these  years, 
should  honor  you  with  this  living  memorial  of  our  appreciation. 
So,  on  behalf  of  the  congregation,  I  present  to  you,  Captain 
Duckham,  as  the  representative  of  all  your  comrades,  this 
beautiful  young  Oriental  Plane  tree  with  our  love  and  grati- 
tude, and  we  pray  that  our  gracious  Master  may  accord  to  it 
and  to  you  and  all  your  comrades  long,  useful  and  happy  life. 
Captain  Duckham,  on  behalf  of  his  comrades,  responded  brief- 
ly in  a  gracious  and  appropriate  address  of  acceptance. 

232 


LIEUTENANT  JAMES  DANA  PAULL 


LIEUTEXAXT  ALVAN  AI.  CLEMENTS 


CENTENNIAL   CELEBRATION 

Tn  mdnoriam 

"Greater  love  hath  no  man  than  this  that  a  man  lay 
down  his  life  for  his  friends." 

]amc$  Dana  Paull 

James  Dana  Paull,  the  only  son  of  Joseph  Rogers  and  Annie 
R.  Johnston  Paull,  was  born  in  Pittsburgh,  April  19,  1896. 
A  baptized  child  of  the  church,  he  was  from  infancy  connected 
with  this  church  and  Sabbath  School,  and  in  March,  1908,  he 
publicly  professed  Christ  and  became  a  member  of  the  East 
Liberty  Presbyterian  Church.  He  was  educated  in  Pittsburgh 
Schools  and  Lawrenceville,  N.  J.,  and  graduated  from  Prince- 
ton University  in  the  School  of  Science,  intending  to  complete 
his  course  in  Hydraulic  Engineering  at  the  Boston  Institute  of 
Technology. 

During  his  college  course  he  was  an  active  member  of  the 
Philadelphian  Society  (the  Y.  M  .C.  A.  branch  at  Princeton) 
and  interested  in  all  religious  movements  and  all  that  stood 
for  the  highest  Christian  ideals  in  university  life,  and  held  a 
prominent  place  on  the  Princeton  Crew. 

He  enlisted  in  the  service  of  his  Country  April  30,  1917, 
in  the  Aviation  Section  of  the  Signal  Reserve  Corps.  After 
training  at  Essington,  Pa.,  with  high  standing,  he  was  commis- 
sioned First  Lieutenant,  Aviation  Section,  Signal  Officers 
Reserve  Corps,  September  21,   1917. 

Lieutenant  Paull  sailed  for  France,  October  27,  1917,  in 
command  of  one  hundred  Aviation  Cadets,  and  after  less  than 
two  months  "over  seas,"  he  was  killed  at  Issondun,  France, 
December  20,  1917,  in  an  airplane  accident  while  "in  the  line 
of  duty."  He  was  buried  in  the  American  Cemetery  at  Isson- 
dun with  full  military  honors,  French  and  American  Aviators 
flying  overhead  placed  a  wreath  upon  his  grave,  inscribed  "To 
our  brother  in  arms." 

J\\un  m.  elements 

Alvan  M.  Clements  was  born  at  Madison,  Wisconsin,  March 
28,  1895,  the  eldest  son  of  Mrs.  Frank  S.  Gardner,  who  with 
Mr.  Gardner  was  among  those  who  represented  our  church  in 
Army  Y.  M.  C.  A.  service  during  1917  and  1918. 

233 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

After  some  years  in  Wisconsin,  he  in  1908  removed  to 
London,  England,  where  for  three  years  he  attended  school. 

Coming  to  Pittsburgh  in  1911,  he  became  a  member  of  East 
Liberty  Presbyterian  Sabbath  School  and  congregation.  He 
graduated  from  East  Liberty  Academy  in  1912,  and  in  1916 
received  his  diploma  from  Carnegie  Institute  of  Technology. 
After  graduation  he  was  with  the  Standard  Steel  Company 
at  Canonsburg,  Pa.,  from  June,  1916,  to  April,  1917,  when  he 
entered  war  work  as  a  chemist  for  the  English  Government  (at 
Smithton,  Pa.)  in  the  manufacture  of  Acetone,  a  very  valuable 
high  explosive.  Of  forty  chemists  thus  employed,  Alvan  was 
the  only  one  who  did  not  claim  exemption,  but  felt  it  his  duty 
to  enter  the  United  States  Service,  September,  1917,  in  the 
Chemical  Warfare  Division.  Owing  to  his  proficiency,  he  was 
assigned  to  special  duty  in  the  A.  D.  Little  Laboratories, 
Boston,  Mass.  His  personality,  ability  and  work  were  of  the 
highest  order,  and  his  position  one  of  great  importance.  His 
Colonel  considered  his  service  so  valuable  that  upon  his  receiving 
orders  to  report  elsewhere,  a  special  command  was  given 
retaining  him  in  the  Boston  Laboratories.  It  was  here  he 
contracted  pneumonia  and  died  October  18,  1918,  on  the  day 
on  which  his  Lieutenant's  Commission  was  issued.  Thus, 
after  thirteen  months  of  faithful  service  for  his  Country,  he, 
too,  laid  down  his  life  "in  the  line  of  duty." 

(Clarence  ecurtncy  KaMe 

Clarence  Courtney  Kahle  was  born  in  Franklin,  Pa.,  March 
18,  1894,  son  of  Attorney  Frederick  L.  and  Mary  Galbraith 
Kahle.  In  1904  he  moved  with  his  parents  to  Pittsburgh,  and 
in  1906  united  with  the  East  Liberty  Presbyterian  Church. 

After  attending  the  Public  Schools,  he  graduated  from  the 
Shadyside  Academy,  and  in  1916  from  Washington  and  Jeffer- 
son College,  Washington,  Pa.,  having  been  an  active  worker 
in  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  and  prominent  in  athletics  during  his  college 
life. 

June  17,  1917,  during  his  second  year  as  a  student  in  the  Law 
Department  of  the  University  of  Pittsburgh,  he  enlisted  for 
Aviation  Service,  and  was  first  sent  to  Essington,  Pa.,  and  later 
to  Cornell  University,  Ithaca,  N.  Y. 

234 


LIEUTENANT  CLARENCE  C.  KAHLE 


CENTENNIAL   CELEBRATION 

August  7,  1917,  he  was  sent  to  France,  having  been  one  of 
ten  chosen  out  of  a  class  of  one  hundred  thirty-two  from 
Cornell,  other  leading  colleges  having  equal  representation. 
After  a  course  in  the  French  Aviation  Schools  at  Toul,  France, 
he  was  commissioned  First  Lieutenant  on  March  2,  1918,  in 
the  99th  Aero  Squadron,  American  Expeditionary  Forces, 
France. 

Lieutenant  Kahle  was  at  once  assigned  to  active  duty,  making 
a  brilliant  record  of  one  hundred  sixtj^-nine  flights,  of  which 
one  hundred  twenty  were  at  the  front  and  over  the  German 
lines, 

October  2,  1918,  he  was  killed  in  action  at  Varennes,  France. 
Of  the  many  recognitions  of  his  valor,  skill  and  faithfulness 
during  nearly  fourteen  months'  service  in  France,  we  present 
the  Distinguished  Service  Cross  Citation. 

''T  m  m  Kcsurrcctiott  and  tbe  Cifc/' 


235 


EASTER 

April  20,  1919 

ASTER  Sabbath  marked  the  close  of  the  Centen- 
nial Celebration,  replete  as  it  was  with  spiritual, 
ecclesiastical  and  social  profit. 
The  usual  devotional  exercises  of  the  Morning 
Worship  were  interspersed  with  musical  features,  the  fine  tone 
of  which  contributed  largely  to  the  enjoyment  of  the  Centen- 
nial services  throughout,  our  own  quartette  being  augmented 
for  the  occasion.  The  anthems,  "As  It  Began  to  Dawn," 
"Christ  Our  Passover,"  and  "Behold,  Ye  Despisers,"  were  ren- 
dered with  true  Easter  spirit  and  feeling. 

The  Rev.  A.  W.  Halsey,  D.D.,  one  of  the  secretaries  of  the 
Presbyterian  Board  of  Foreign  Missions,  delivered  a  striking 
and  eloquent  sermon  on  the  century's  development  along  the 
line  of  Foreign  Mission  work,  toward  which  East  Liberty 
Church  has  been  an  important  contributing  force  in  effort,  in 
talent  and  in  financial  support. 

We  are  happy  to  be  able  to  record  this  very  instructive 
sermon. 

For  the  evening  worship  another  musical  privilege  was  en- 
joyed in  the  rendering  by  the  choir  of  Shelley's  Easter  Cantata, 
"Death  and  Life." 

The  Rev.  George  Mackinney  Ryall,  a  son  of  the  church, 
whom  we  always  rejoice  to  have  with  us,  brought  the  fine  and 
helpful  message  of  the  evening,  which  we  are  glad  to  append. 

Mr.  Ryall,  in  response  to  the  welcome  extended  him  in  his 
presentation  by  the  pastor,  expressed  his  pleasure  in  being  able 
to  take  part  in  the  Centennial  exercises  of  this,  his  old  church 
home.  He  said  that,  ecclesiastically,  Saltsburg  Church  is  older 
than  the  East  Liberty  Church,  but  organically  younger.  Its 
centennial  wn'Il  be  celebrated  five  years  hence,  having  had  but 
five  pastors  in  the  ninety-five  years  of  its  history,  of  whom  the 
Rev.  Ryall  is  the  only  one  now  living. 

236 


CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 

With  the  closing  exercises  of  the  evening,  the  Centenary 
Celebration  of  the  congregation  came  to  a  close  in  the  blessed 
consciousness  of  the  joyous  Easter  message  of  faith  and  hope 
and  immortality. 

"Now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead  and  become  the  first 
fruits  of  them  that  slept." 

"Thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth  us  the  victory  through  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ." 


«37 


FOREIGN  MISSIONS 

Easter,  1919 
The  Rev.  A.  W.  Halsey,  D.D. 

N  1893  the  Rev.  James  S.  Dennis,  D.D.,  delivered 
a  course  of  lectures  and  afterwards  published  them 
in  a  volume,  on  the  theme  "Foreign  Missions 
After  a  Century."  It  was  an  inspiring  subject, 
treated  in  a  scholarly  way  by  one  who  was  eminently  prepared 
for  such  a  task,  having  spent  twenty  years  on  the  mission  field, 
and  for  many  years  having  been  a  close  student  of  missions. 
A  quarter  of  a  century  has  gone  by  since  the  lectures  of  Dr. 
Dennis  were  published.  I  do  not  hesitate  to  state  that  in  that 
quarter  of  a  century  greater  and  more  momentous  changes 
have  taken  place  in  the  non-Christian  world  than  in  the  pre- 
vious hundred  years.  Easter  morning,  1919,  looks  out  on  a 
world  vastly  different  not  only  to  what  it  was  in  1819  or  even 
a  quarter  of  a  century  ago.  Events  have  been  moving  with 
startling  rapidity  since  Dewey's  guns  were  heard  in  Manila 
Bay,  the  Boxer  Outbreak,  that  marked  a  distinct  epoch  in  the 
history  of  China  and  of  the  Orient,  the  overlordship  of  Japan 
in  Korea  and  its  aggressive  policy  in  Manchuria,  the  great 
World  War,  whose  happy  ending  we  are  able  to  celebrate  on 
this  Easter  morning. 

In  a  recent  volume  written  by  Dr.  Cornelius  H.  Patton,  of 
the  American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions, 
entitled  "World  Facts  and  America's  Responsibility"  it  is  stated 
that  the  latest  figures  indicated  that  38  per  cent,  of  the  popu- 
lation of  the  world  is  nominally  Christian.  I  cannot  vouch  for 
the  accuracy  of  these  figures,  nor  are  any  statistics  germane 
to  the  theme  which  this  morning  I  wish  to  call  to  your  atten- 
tion on  this  happy  anniversary  occasion.  Rather  I  wish  to  point 
you  to  the  great  advance  which  has  been  made  along  those 
ideals  for  which  Foreign  Missions  has  stood,  not  only  for  the 
hundred  years,  but  through  all  the  Christian  centuries.  I  would 
call  your  attention  to  three  or  four  distinct  advances  which  it 
seems  to  me  have  been  made,  which  have  to  do  rather  with 
fundamental  principles  than  with  statistical  enumeration. 

238 


CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 

1.  The  growing  dominance  of  Christian  ideah'sm.  In  1897 
it  was  my  privilege  to  deliver  an  address  on  the  subject  "The 
Most  Neglected  Missionary  Corner  of  the  Globe."  After 
careful  examination  of  the  mission  fields  I  chose  the  Philippine 
Islands  as  the  one  spot  hermetically  closed  to  the  teachings  of 
the  Gospel  as  enunciated  by  Protestant  Christianity.  Not  even 
a  Bible  colporteur  was  allowed  to  enter  the  Islands,  or  if  by 
chance  he  escaped  the  vigilance  of  the  guard  he  was  arrested 
and  deported,  or,  in  some  cases,  killed.  Today  a  group  of 
Filipinos  are  in  this  country,  two  of  the  leading  men  being  pro- 
nounced followers  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  are  asking  from  our 
government  complete  independence.  Each  year  of  the  twenty 
since  the  United  States  took  over  the  government  of  the  Philip- 
pines has  shown  a  rapid  development  on  the  part  of  the  Filipino 
people  in  all  that  makes  for  government.  The  finest  bit  of  colo- 
nial work  ever  undertaken  by  any  nation  is  that  done  by  Uncle 
Sam  during  these  recent  years.  Whether  the  Filipino  is  ready  for 
full  and  complete  independence  may  be  an  open  question,  but 
there  can  be  no  question  that,  through  the  splendid  idealism  of 
the  American  government  and  the  magnificent  co-operation  of 
Protestant  Christianity,  the  Filipino  people  have  made  more 
progress  in  twenty  years  than  in  all  the  300  years  preceding 
under  the  reign  of  autocratic  and  hierarchical  Spain.  Christian 
idealism  is  permeating  the  Islands  with  a  rapidity  and  an  effi- 
ciency that  is  difficult  to  realize. 

It  is  but  a  trifle  over  thirty  years  since  the  first  missionary 
of  the  Presbyterian  Board  went  from  Shanghai,  China,  to  Seoul, 
Korea.  A  week  ago  Dr.  Syngman  Ree,  the  secretary  of  state 
for  the  Provincial  Revolutionary  Government  of  Korea,  pub- 
lished a  statement  in  which  he  declared  that  it  was  the  inten- 
tion of  the  leaders  of  the  movement  to  make  a  Christian  coun- 
try out  of  Korea  once  it  was  free  from  Japan.  "This,"  said 
he,  "would  make  Korea  the  first  independent  country  in  Asia 
to  become  Christian."  This  may  be  a  day  dream.  The  Ko- 
reans are  passing  through  fire  and  blood.  Thousands  are  being 
slain.  It  may  be  only  a  rash  uprising  of  the  people ;  but  if  we 
are  to  believe  the  reports  even  from  Tokio  the  entire  16,000,000 
people  are  seeking  independence  from  what  they  regard  as  a 
pagan  civilization.     Already  charges  are  made  that  it  is  the 

239 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

Christian  constituency  of  Korea  that  has  produced  this  revo- 
lution. A  generation  ago  a  famous  volume  on  Korea  had  the 
proper  title,  "Korea,  the  Hermit  Nation."  Today  it  is  no 
longer  a  hermit  nation,  neither  is  Thibet,  nor  Baluchistan,  nor 
Afghanistan.  The  hermit  nation  has  gone  forever.  The  spirit 
of  Christian  democracy  is  pervading  the  v^rorld.  Much  else 
goes  with  it,  much  that  is  dangerous,  but  it  is  an  alluring 
thought  that  already  throughout  the  world  on  this  Easter  Day 
hermit  nations  no  longer  exist. 

The  Presbyterian  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  on  the  31st 
day  of  March  closed  the  eighty-second  year  of  its  history.  It 
will  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly  that  receipts  on  the 
field,  which  include  tuition  fees,  sums  from  the  sale  of  medicine, 
contributions  and  the  like,  all  that  has  come  from  the  wares 
that  the  missionary  has  to  sell,  amounted  to  $1,147,569.  Wages 
do  not  average  over  twenty-five  cents  a  day.  This  sum,  there- 
fore, is  equivalent  to  $5,000,000  or  more — probably  $6,000,000. 
There  has  been  created  an  appetite  for  things  physical,  intel- 
lectual, spiritual,  missionary  wares,  which  is  little  less  than 
phenomenal. 

I  have  on  my  study  table  a  pamphlet  from  the  Syrian  Na- 
tional Society.  It  is  entitled  "Syria  for  the  Syrians,"  and  a 
sub-title  "Under  the  Guardianship  of  the  United  States."  Orig- 
inally written  in  Arabic,  it  is  translated  into  English  "To  Inter- 
est Americans  in  Syria."  The  request  is  significant,  a  free 
Syria,  the  first  in  1900  years — a  democratic  Syria.  But  its 
thoughtful  men  realize  it  needs  guardianship  for  the  present, 
and  the  guardian  they  ask  is  Uncle  Sam ;  a  clear  recognition  of 
a  great  desire  for  a  self-determining  government,  but  an  equally 
sure  indication  of  a  fear  lest  Syrians  themselves  are  unable  to 
carry  out  the  wishes  of  their  government  and  turn  to  America, 
the  land  of  great  Christian  ideals.  No  factor  of  greater  sig- 
nificance do  I  present  to  you  on  this  Easter  Day  than  that 
the  Syrian  is  asking  for  the  guardianship  of  the  United  States 
over  his  land  whence  came  Him  whose  resurrection  from  the 
dead  this  day  is  the  world's  hope. 

We  could  multiply  these  examples.  The  great  ideals  of 
the  Gospel  are  making  their  way  to  earth's  remotest  points. 

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CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 

II.  One  of  the  outstanding  difficulties  a  hundred  years  ago 
was  that  Christianity  was  exotic  in  non-Christian  lands.  The 
missionary  in  China  up  to  the  Boxer  Outbreak  was  called  a 
"foreign  devil."  Men  were  stating,  "We  do  not  want  a  for- 
eigner's religion."  In  India  the  East  India  Company  refused 
to  permit  the  missionary  of  the  Cross  to  proclaim  the  Gospel, 
it  being  considered  something  alien  to  India.  Today  the  out- 
standing fact  in  practically  every  non-Christian  land  where  the 
Gospel  has  gone  is  the  gradual  nationalization  of  the  teach- 
ings of  Jesus.  In  China  the  Gospel  has  become  a  part  of  the 
national  life.  The  literati,  the  leading  men  of  China,  the 
diplomat,  the  statesman,  the  thoughtful  seer,  is  turning  to  the 
Gospel  as  possibly  China's  only  hope.  The  leading  men  who 
represent  China  in  Paris,  Mr.  Koo  and  Dr.  Wang,  both  of 
them  have  spoken  strongly  regarding  Christianity,  and  Dr. 
Wang  is  an  elder  in  a  Presbyterian  Church.  The  various 
branches  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  China  have  become  the 
Chinese  Presbyterian  Church.  Steps  have  been  taken  to  amal- 
gamate all  denominations  in  China  into  one  Chinese  Church. 
This  is  true  of  Korea  and  of  India.  Possibly  the  most  strik- 
ing example  of  this  was  given  last  fall,  when  the  twentieth 
anniversary  of  the  Hackett  Medical  College  for  Women,  the 
first  of  its  kind  in  China,  was  celebrated.  A  twentieth  cen- 
tury miracle  play,  entitled  "Every  Sick  Man  on  His  Way  to 
Health,"  was  given  by  the  students.  The  sick,  a  group  of 
nine,  rich  and  poor,  sought  health  and  happiness.  They  tried 
incantation,  drugs,  knowledge,  science,  sunlight,  surgery,  nurs- 
ing, but  fear  and  sorrow  and  sin  dominated,  and  finally  it  was 
only  at  the  call  of  Christianity  that  every  sick  man  on  his  way 
to  health  found  the  object  of  his  search.  And  this  miracle 
play,  wherein  ninety  Christians  participated,  ended  in  singing 
"Joy  to  the  World ;  The  Lord  is  Come."  Apart  from  all 
others,  the  significant  feature  of  this  entertainment  was  its  na- 
tionalization. The  pupils,  the  audience,  the  learned  statesmen 
and  rulers  who  were  present,  recognized  the  Hackett  Memorial 
Christian  Medical  School  as  a  genuine  product  indigenous  to 
the  soil  of  China. 

It  is  only  three-quarters  of  a  century  since  Japan  was  opened 
to  the  world.     It  is  worthy  of  note  that  within  a  few  weeks 

241 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

the  Japanese  Christian  Church,  manned  by  Japanese,  has  sent 
a  letter  to  President  Wilson  expressing  "Its  sincere  gratitude 
for  his  untiring  efforts  to  establish  and  maintain  throughout 
the  world  justice,  righteousness,  humanity  and  peace."  At  the 
same  meeting  at  which  this  letter  was  sent  to  the  President  a 
resolution  was  passed  commending  the  missionaries  who  for 
more  than  twenty-five  years  had  helped  the  Japanese  to  estab- 
lish their  own  church.  Seventy  thousand  Christian  Japanese 
among  70,000,000  non-Christian  seems  a  small  number,  but 
their  influence  is  out  of  all  proportion  to  their  numbers.  With- 
in a  few  years  the  Japanese  government  itself  has  recognized 
Christianity  as  an  indigenous  religion,  and  appealed  to  the 
leaders  of  the  Church  to  assist  the  government  in  the  over- 
throw of  immorality  which  had  grown  so  rapidly  in  the  last 
few  years. 

It  did  not  seem  at  all  out  of  place  that  a  group  of  Assyrians 
should  petition  Christian  men  in  America  to  send  their  request 
for  losses  sustained  at  the  hands  of  the  Turks  and  Kurds  and 
repatriation  to  their  country,  to  the  Peace  Congress.  This 
petition,  signed  by  Bishop  Brent,  Cardinal  Gibbons,  Bishop 
Wilson,  Mr.  Speer  and  others,  set  forth  the  needs  of  these 
persecuted  Assyrians,  and  the  evident  expectation  and  hope 
that  their  people  would  be  heard  because  it  came  through  Chris- 
tian sources. 

In  no  respect  has  there  been  greater  advance  in  the  last  hun- 
dred years  or  the  last  twenty-five  years,  than  in  the  development 
of  a  native  church,  adapted  to  native  needs.  If  we  take  a  single 
example,  the  church  in  Cameroon,  West  Africa,  war-swept 
for  eighteen  months,  where  devastation  and  death  has  reigned, 
shows  in  the  year  1918  a  remarkable  growth.  Think  of  a 
church  so  strong,  in  a  non-Christian  land  like  Africa,  that  it 
pays  for  all  its  licentiates,  Bible  readers,  preachers,  that  it  builds 
all  its  own  churches,  that  in  the  past  year  91  per  cent,  of  its 
educational  work  was  paid  for  by  the  natives  themselves.  Or, 
to  put  it  in  a  way  that  you  will  easily  remember,  $29,000  was 
spent  on  the  education  in  the  village  schools  outside  of  the  sta- 
tions, and  $27,000  of  that  amount  was  received  from  the  na- 
tive peoples.  A  remarkable  example,  not  merely  of  liberality 
and  development  of  an  idealism,  but  of  a  love  and  loj^alty  to  a 

242 


CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 

church  that  had  become  national,  that  belonged  to  the  people, 
that  was  at  once  democratic  aii.l  s.  I  [-supporting.  The  native 
church  is  the  most  outstanding  fact  in  all  the  non-Christian 
M'orld  in  the  year  1919.  It  has  become  nationalized.  The 
essence  of  the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ  is  that  it  is  not  racial,  nor 
national,  it  belongs  to  no  age.  It  is  for  all  ages  and  all 
men,  and  is  adapted  to  all  sorts  and  conditions  of  men.  This  is 
the  tremendous  advance  of  the  century. 

III.  When  the  United  States  went  into  the  war,  Lord 
Curzon  said  in  the  House  of  Commons:  "The  entrance  of 
the  United  States  into  the  war  stamps  the  character  of  the 
struggle  as  an  uprising  of  the  conscience  of  the  world."  We 
have  a  new  world  conscience. 

The  conscience  of  the  world  has  been  horrified,  shocked  by 
the  war.  The  brutalities  of  the  war  have  awakened  the  latent 
conscience  of  the  world  and  revealed  that  after  all,  down  in 
the  human  heart,  crushed  by  the  tempter,  feelings  lie  buried 
which  grace  can  restore.  The  very  alliance  of  the  East  and 
the  West  is  significant.  It  is  an  alliance  based  on  self-interest, 
but  it  is  an  alliance  based  on  justice,  on  righteousness,  on  the 
uprising  of  human  personality  against  wrong  and  evil  in  its 
hydra-headed  aspect  as  presented  by  the  Central  Powers. 

Whatever  may  be  the  outcome  of  the  present  struggle  in 
Korea,  I  do  not  pretend  to  prophesy,  nor  do  I  know  how  much 
of  it  is  political  and  incendiary.  Of  this,  however,  I  am  sure, 
the  conscience  of  the  world  is  so  aroused  that  if  the  Korean  is 
being  oppressed  by  monarchical  Japan,  the  world  will  not  per- 
mit this  for  any  long  period  of  time.  The  day  has  gone  by 
when  a  strong  nation  can  oppress  a  weak  nation  without  pro- 
test and,  finally,  without  armored  opposition.  No  such  govern- 
ment as  Turkey  can  exist  again  on  the  face  of  the  earth.  In  an 
article  written  by  William  T.  Ellis,  of  an  interview  which  he 
had  with  the  Sultan  Mohammed  VI.  of  Turkey,  it  is  stated 
that  the  Sultan  made  a  plea  for  the  League  of  Nations  in  order 
that  Turkey  might  get  justice.  One  of  the  great  events  of  this 
Easter  Day  is  that  Turkey  will  get  justice,  and  if  she  gets  jus- 
tice never  again  will  such  a  diabolical  government  be  permitted 
to  rule  on  this  earth.  It  may  be  a  Utopian  dream  to  say  that  no 

243 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH 

such  government  will  ever  exist,  but  we  do  state  that  an  awak- 
ened world  conscience  will  not  permit  a  Turkey  of  the  past, 
on  the  specious  plea  of  a  balance  of  power,  go  on  with  its  work 
of  murder,  rapine,  liist  and  cruelty  such  as  we  have  witnessed 
the  last  fifty  years.  The  fight  against  slavery,  opium,  liquor, 
Avere  indeed  mighty  battles,  but  only  skirmishes  beside  the  fight 
now  on  against  avarice  and  selfishness  and  racial  animosities. 

It  is  well  on  this  Easter  Day  to  look  for  a  moment  at  a  bit 
of  history.  Some  years  ago,  less  than  twenty,  Germany  stole 
a  great  section  of  Shantung,  Kiao-chau  Bay  and  Tsing-tau,  on 
the  specious  plea  that  two  German  missionaries  had  been  mur- 
dered. At  the  beginning  of  the  war  Japan  as  the  ally  of  the 
Entente  forces  captured  this  choice  section  of  China.  Will  she 
relinquish  it?  I  do  not  know.  I  do  know  that  the  uprising 
conscience  of  the  world  has  to  be  considered  by  the  Japanese 
and  by  the  League  of  Nations,  in  this  as  in  all  other  matters. 

I  have  no  knowledge  as  to  what  will  become  of  the  million 
square  miles  of  territory  in  Africa  taken  from  Germany  by  the 
Allied  forces,  but  on  this  Easter  Sunday  morning  I  am  proud 
to  assert  that  I  believe  the  conscience  of  the  world  will  not 
permit  the  exploiting  of  these  poor  men  of  Africa's  jungle  by 
any  power,  France,  Belgium,  Great  Britain,  or  the  United 
States.  My  hope  is  that  there  will  be  a  guardianship,  an  over- 
lordship,  that  will  so  protect  the  rights  of  these  enfeebled  races 
that  Vv'ill  enable  them  to  rise  in  the  scale  of  manhood  and 
develop  the  wonderful  resources  of  their  undeveloped  continent. 
Think  of  how  Africa  has  been  exploited  in  the  past.  Think  of 
how  China  was  parceled  out  by  Great  Britain  and  France  and 
Italy  and  Germany  until  John  Hay  came  in  with  his  Golden 
Rule  policy,  and  today  the  Golden  Rule  policy  of  statesman- 
ship is  dominating  the  conference  at  Paris,  and  must  dominate 
the  League  of  Nations  if  it  is  to  be  permanent. 

Last  Easter  Day  it  looked  as  though  Germany  had  tri- 
umphed, as  though  evil  was  dominant,  as  though  force  and 
might  should  overcome  reason  and  right.  So  it  looked  on  the 
first  Friday,  on  that  Good  Friday  when  the  howling  mob  cried 
to  the  crucified  Son  of  God,  "He  saved  others.  Himself  He 

244 


CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 

cannot  save."  Easter  morning  then  saw  triumph.  This  Easter 
morning  sees  a  great  triumph  in  an  aroused  world  conscience 
that  bodes  well  for  all  future  years. 

IV.  No  single  event  is  more  impressive  in  all  the  great 
advance  than  the  development  of  world  philanthropy.  The 
Christian  Church  has  always  been  philanthropic.  Humanity 
has  had  a  philanthropic  strain.  It  has  been  reserved  for  our 
day  and  generation  to  exhibit  colossal  philanthropy.  I  wonder 
how  many  of  you  realize  what  is  going  on  in  India  today.  In 
a  statement  issued  by  one  of  our  missionaries,  Miss  Marie  L. 
Gauthey,  some  startling  facts  of  the  famine  in  India  are  pre- 
sented. We  are  told  that  if  the  ghosts  of  all  the  British  sol- 
diers killed  in  the  World  War  should  march  down  Fifth  ave- 
nue from  59th  street  to  Washington  Arch,  ten  abreast,  they 
would  require  seven  daj^s  and  eleven  hours  before  the  last  one 
who  left  59th  street  reached  Washington  Arch.  But  if  the  dead 
of  India  who  have  lost  their  lives  since  May,  1918,  should 
make  the  same  march,  it  would  take  fourteen  days  and  twenty- 
two  hours.  Yet  the  Christian  world  is  not  daunted  at  such  an 
array  of  famine,  of  plague,  of  "flu"  and  desolation.  The  Chris- 
tian missionary'  is  meeting  this  situation  in  a  way  at  once  worthy 
of  the  highest  traditions  and  noblest  endeavors  of  the  Gospel. 

In  September,  1918,  thousands  of  poor  Syrians  were  driven 
out  of  Urumia  and  fled  south  toward  Bagdad,  led  by  that 
prince  of  missionaries,  scholar,  diplomat,  statesman,  teacher, 
author,  preacher,  friend,  William  A.  Shedd.  He  died  saving 
these  poor  outcasts.  Forty  thousand  of  them  today  are  at 
Bakuba,  a  day's  journey  north  from  Bagdad.  With  funds  fur- 
nished by  the  Red  Cross  from  America,  the  missionaries,  led 
by  your  Dr.  Allen,  are  bringing  help  and  health  and  hope 
to  these  thousands.  Twelve  thousand  are  employed  in  knit- 
ting, sewing,  planting,  digging,  building.  An  entire  new 
city  has  sprung  up,  sanitary,  hygienic,  healthful,  under  the 
able  administration  of  the  British  government.  A  wonder- 
ful colonizer  is  Great  Britain.  Order  has  come  out  of 
chaos,  peace  out  of  war,  purity  where  devilish  lust  made  it 
impossible  for  a  decent  woman  or  girl  to  appear  in  any 
town  or  village.     Now  all  is  changed  and  a  wondrous  blessing 

245 


CENTENNIAL  EAST  LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

has  come.  For  four  years  the  Syria  missionary  has  been  able 
often  to  distribute  something  like  $200,000  per  month  in* 
grain,  in  clothing,  in  medicine,  sent  by  voluntary  contribu- 
tions through  the  Syrian  and  Armenian  Relief.  It  is  phil- 
anthropy on  a  colossal  scale.  I  do  not  speak  of  what  the 
government  has  done  and  is  doing  to  feed  the  starving  mil- 
lions in  France,  in  Belgium,  in  Russia,  or  even  in  Germany. 
There  may  be  political  and  secular  reasons  w^hy  this  should  be 
accomplished,  but  pure  philanthropy,  with  a  Christian  dynamic, 
is  what  is  prevalent  in  India  or  Persia.  Possibly  the  most  bril- 
liant illustration  is  that  of  Syria.  For  the  last  three  years  of 
the  war  no  word  came  from  Syria  from  the  missionary.  When 
word  came  it  was  found  that  simply  to  care  for  the  mission- 
aries and  the  native  workers  the  Mission  had  spent  $300,000 
above  the  appropriation.  The  Board  approved  it.  The  Church 
Mnll  approve  it.  But  what  is  of  more  importance  is  that  during 
that  period  their  entire  time  practically  was  given  up  to  cloth- 
ing the  naked,  to  feeding  the  starving,  to  caring  for  the  sick,  to 
ministering  to  the  dying,  to  comforting  the  sorrowing.  Your 
great  treasurer  at  Beirut  loaned  hundreds  of  thousands  of  dol- 
lars to  well-to-do  men  and  women  who  without  it  would  have 
been  bankrupt.  By  a  genius,  phenomenal,  he  was  able  to  re- 
ceive hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars  to  purchase  grain,  to 
outwit  money  lenders,  to  circumvent  unscrupulous  government 
officials,  and  to  bring  relief  to  thousands.  No  such  marvelous 
exhibition  of  Christian  philanthropy,  coupled  with  efficiency, 
tact,  sagacity  and  statesmanlike  use  of  every  opportunity  have 
we  seen  in  our  day  and  generation  in  any  mission  field  as  that 
shown  by  the  Syria  missionary  during  these  dreadful  days. 
Their  nerves  were  unstrung,  their  hearts  had  been  rent.  Even 
shown  by  the  Syria  missionary  during  these  dreadful  days, 
thousands  of  weak,  sickly  bodies  to  be  nursed  back  into  health 
and  strength,  yet  none  of  them  talk  of  home-coming  or  speak 
a  note  of  pessimism,  but  look  upon  this  great  calamity  as  an 
open  door  for  great  opportunity.  It  is  a  sort  of  heroic  philan- 
thropy that  gives  money,  time,  strength  and  heart  life  in  order 
that  a  blessing  might  come  both  for  the  life  that  now  is  and  the 
life  which  is  to  come. 

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CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 

It  is  said  that  a  petition  signed  by  a  hundred  leading  men 
of  the  world  has  gone  to  Paris.  The  petition  requests  that  the 
formal  announcement  of  the  signing  of  the  peace  treaty  between 
the  Central  Powers  and  the  Entente  nations  shall  be  first  pro- 
claimed in  the  city  of  Jerusalem,  and  that  in  addition  all  the 
Allied  powers,  which  means  the  world  powers,  shall  by  proper 
legislation  make  that  day  a  great  world  peace  holiday.  This 
may  be  an  Utopian  dream,  but  its  mere  possibility  awakens  a 
thrill  in  the  heart  on  Easter  Day,  1919,  such  as  we  have  never 
known  before.  It  would  seem  that  already  we  began  to  realize 
just  the  glimmer  of  the  dawn  of  that  day  when  He  shall  rule 
whose  name  is  called  "Wonderful,  Counsellor,  the  Mighty 
God,  the  Everlasting  Father,  the  Prince  of  Peace."  Prince  of 
Peace!    That  is  the  Easter  message  for  the  world  today. 


247 


PROMISE  AND  POSSESSION 

The  Rev.  George  M.  Ryall 

"Every  place  that  the  sole  of  your  foot  shall  tread  upon,  that  I 
have  given  unto  you,  as  I  said  unto  Moses." — ^Joshua  1 :3. 

^HHERE  was  a  great  task  to  be  accomplished  here. 
A  mighty  nation  was  to  be  transported  over  a  river 
at  its  flood,  and  then  that  nation  was  to  proceed 
to  conquer  a  land  with  fenced  cities,  with  soldiers, 
with  giants  in  it.  And  this  people  that  was  to  cross  over,  had 
their  wives,  and  children,  and  flocks,  and  herds,  and  baggage. 
It  was  surely  a  great  task  that  was  here  to  be  accomplished. 
But  God  had  ready  a  man  whom  he  had  prepared  for  that 
task. 

In  May  of  1870,  before  the  Franco-Prussian  war  in  which 
France  lost  Alsace-Lorraine,  Count  Von  Moltke  came  to  King 
William  and  asked  for  a  leave  of  absence  from  his  post.  The 
king,  seeing  he  looked  tired,  granted  him  that  leave.  A  few 
days  later  the  minister  of  war  and  the  king  had  a  conference 
which  led  the  king  to  desire  the  opinion  of  Von  Moltke  on 
the  subject  of  discussion.  But  though  they  sought  in  all  direc- 
tions, by  letter,  and  telegram,  and  by  messenger,  they  could  not 
find  the  Count.  Ten  days  later  he  appeared  before  the  king. 
"Where  have  you  been?"  said  the  king,  "for  ten  days  we  have 
been  searching  all  Germany  in  vain  for  you."  "I  was  in  France, 
sire,"  was  the  answer.  "Amusing  yourself  in  Paris?"  "Not  at 
all,  sire ;  I  was  at  Metz  and  Belf ort.  We  have  very  good  plans 
of  the  fortifications  there,  but  I  wished  to  see  with  my  own 
eyes  their  strong  points  and  weak  points;  and  so  I  went  over 
there."  Two  months  later  in  the  Franco- Prussian  war  Von 
Moltke  put  to  very  good  purpose  the  information  he  had  per- 
sonally gained  through  his  vacation.  A  great  task  was  in  con- 
templation and  a  great  man  was  ready  for  it. 

It  is  wonderful  in  his  plans  and  purposes  how  God,  though 
He  buries  the  workman,  still  carries  on  the  work.  Joshua  was 
not  a  Moses  in  any  sense  of  the  word.  And  yet  the  work  that 
Moses  had  done,  as  it  fell  from  his  hands,  came  into  the  hands 
of  Joshua.     And  can  we  say  that  the  work  languished  or  fal- 

248 


CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 

tered  because  of  that  transfer?  The  successor  of  Moses  was  a 
Joshua.  He  had  different  qualifications  altogether.  He  was 
not  the  brilliant  man  that  Moses  was  at  all.  Yet  he  made  a 
most  glorious  success.  Each  man  to  his  own  work,  in  his  own 
way,  with  the  gifts  tliat  God  has  given  him.  Oh!  that  we 
might  learn  this  lesson  well!  Here  is  a  minister  that  comes 
into  a  congregation.  He  is  in  marked  contrast  to  his  prede- 
cessor. But  because  he  is  not  a  duplicate  of  the  one  who  has 
preceded  him,  the  people  are  lukewarm,  and  indifferent  or 
hostile,  and  the  work  of  that  servant  of  God  fails  because 
Aaron  and  Hur  do  not  hold  up  his  hands.  What  a  pity  it  often 
is  that  we  do  not  learn  that  no  two  of  us  work  exactly  alike. 
We  must  do  our  tasks  in  the  way  in  which  the  Lord  has 
endowed  us. 

Joshua  appears  early  in  the  Exodus.  He  led  the  armies  of 
Israel  against  the  Amalekites.  Tradition  tells  us  that  he  was 
the  son  of  Miriam,  the  sister  of  Moses.  But  we  have  no  other 
basis  for  this  statement.  Joshua  was  of  that  powerful  tribe  of 
Ephraim,  and  was  twelve  generations  removed  from  Joseph,  the 
head  of  that  tribe.  As  one  of  the  twelve  spies  sent  into  Canaan 
at  Kadash-Barnea,  he  and  Caleb  alone  had  faith  to  believe  that 
Israel  could  take  the  land.  P'or  their  faith,  they  alone  of  all 
that  generation  entered  the  land. 

Joshua  was  the  minister  of  Moses.  He  thus  became  his  un- 
derstudy. He  is  not  often  mentioned  in  the  forty  years  of 
wanderings,  but  comes  into  prominence  at  the  Jordan.  Moses 
dies  and  Joshua  succeeds  him.  Under  him,  the  Jordan  is 
crossed.  He  receives  new  assurance  of  his  call  from  the  Angel 
of  the  Lord,  and  the  Lord  reaffirms  all  the  promises  made  to 
Moses.  Our  text  is  a  very  precious  one  among  these  promises. 
It  is  a  promise  with  a  condition  implied.  The  feet  of  the  host 
of  the  Lord  must  actually  rest  on  the  Promised  Land  to 
possess  it. 

There  is  an  incident  in  the  life  of  Israel  just  at  this  time  that 
is  illustrative  of  the  thought  that  is  found  in  the  text.  The 
river  Jordan  was  at  the  flood.  All  the  waters  from  snow- 
capped Hermon,  under  the  spring  sun  and  rains,  were  hurry- 
ing down  through  the  Lake  of  Galilee  and  the  gorge  of  the 
Jordan.     That  precipitous  and  tortuous  river  had  overflowed 

249 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH 

Its  banks.  It  looked  like,  and  was,  a  formidable  thing.  It  was 
a  defense,  a  barrier  against  an  invasion  into  Canaan.  The 
people  of  Jericho  and  Ai  and  others  must  have  had  this 
belief.  But  God  revealed  unto  Joshua  that  Israel  was  to  cross 
over  the  river.  Joshua  got  the  people  ready.  They  sanctified 
themselves.  Then  they  followed  the  ark,  on  the  third  day,  to 
the  brink  of  the  river.  Then,  when  the  feet  of  the  priests  that 
bore  the  ark  were  entering  the  river,  the  waters  fled  away  and 
dry  shod  the  host  of  the  Lord  passed  over  the  river's  empty 
bed.  But  the  waters  did  not  flee  until  the  feet  of  the  priests 
were  on  the  river's  brink.  So  also  the  land  of  Canaan  would  not 
be  delivered  unto  them  and  become  their  land,  until  their  feet 
had  pressed  upon  it.  They  must  actually  go  up  and  possess  the 
land  in  order  that  they  might  have  it. 

What  a  wonderful  land  that  was!  It  was  the  land  of  their 
dreams!  We  often  speak  of  building  castles  in  Spain.  These 
people  of  Israel  had  many  such  built  as  they  dreamed  over  the 
land  of  promise.  In  Ur,  God  had  told  Abraham  to  leave  all 
and  go  into  a  strange  land  that  he  would  show  him.  Abraham 
followed  the  instructions.  Soon  he  was  in  the  land.  God  said, 
"This  is  the  land."  Then  a  little  later  he  said,  "I  am  going  to 
give  you  this  land  and  to  your  seed  after  you.  They  shall  be 
as  numerous  as  the  stars  in  the  heavens."  But  Abraham  never 
owned  any  of  that  land  save  a  cave  where  he  buried  his  dead. 
Isaac,  his  son,  owned  no  more;  and  Jacob,  the  son  of  Isaac, 
apparently  little  if  any  more.  Yet  they  had  faith  to  believe 
that  sometime  that  land  would  belong  unto  their  descendants. 

It  was  a  pi-omised  land,  but  none  the  less  an  actual  land. 
There  are  promises  that  have  no  substance.  They  are  like 
dreams  that  come  in  the  night  and  are  gone  with  the  light. 
They  are  like  the  promises  of  the  overthrowing  of  old  estab- 
lished orders,  which  are  destructive  without  being  constructive. 
But  the  promise  of  a  land  was  based  on  an  actual  land,  and 
on  the  intention  of  the  all  powerful  God  to  give  that  land  unto 
His  people  when  the  people  were  ready  for  the  land.  God's 
promises  are  all  of  that  kind.  They  are  based  in  his  love,  and 
power,  and  intention  on  that  which  we  can  actually  possess,  if 
we  meet  His  conditions.    Take  up  this  Book  of  promises.    Read 

250 


CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 

it  from  beginning  to  end.  Every  one  of  these  statements  has 
God  back  of  it.  Let  us  lean  upon  the  promises  and  prove  that 
they  are  things  of  substance.    God  wants  us  to  test  them. 

The  land  was  even  now  before  the  eyes  of  the  children  of 
Israel.  Over  yonder,  beyond  the  swollen  waters  of  the  Jordan, 
were  the  green  fields  of  Canaan.  Over  yonder  were  the  palms 
around  Jericho.  Yonder  were  the  walled  cities,  and  the  fields, 
and  the  vineyards.  Yonder  was  the  land  flowing  with  milk 
and  honey.  The  water  was  abundant  there  and  the  early  and 
latter  rains  would  produce  abundant  harvests. 

They  were  on  the  border  of  the  land  which  God  had  prom- 
ised, of  which  they  had  dreamed,  and  of  whose  richness  they 
had  heard.  What  a  tragedy  to  come  to  such  a  land,  and  yet 
not  possess  it!  Once  before  they  had  been  on  the  border  and 
yet  had  not  gone  in.  They  saw  the  fruits  of  the  land,  yet  had 
never  tasted  them.  They  did  not  possess  the  land  because 
they  had  been  afraid,  and  would  not  go  in.  And  they  only 
could  possess  it  when  their  feet  presesd  it. 

They  must  go  in.  They  must  cross  the  Jordan  and  walk 
about  Jericho  and  overcome  Ai.  The  Lord  never  gives  any 
land  to  those  who  only  view  it  from  afar.  Even  the  view 
from  Pisgah's  heights,  wonderful  though  it  may  be,  is  not  the 
same  as  standing  on  the  land.  One  is  a  vision,  the  other  is  a 
realization.  The  land  was  there.  Israel  only  would  have  it 
if  she  went  in.  And  she  would  only  have  as  much  as  she  her- 
self was  willing  to  take.  Wherever  her  feet  rested,  that  would 
be  hers. 

The  law  of  promise  and  possession  goes  into  all  of  life.  What 
the  Lord  here  said  of  the  land  of  promise,  He  also  says  of  any 
land  of  promise,  that  lies  before  us.  You  and  I  will  never 
truly  possess  anything  that  we  desire  or  that  is  worth  while  un- 
less we  are  willing  to  enter  in  and  have  our  feet  press  upon  it. 
Over  a  century  ago  in  a  rude  cabin  in  southern  Indiana,  a 
mother  lay  dying.  She  knew  that  her  last  hour  was  near  at 
hand  and  she  asked  for  her  seven-year-old  boy.  She  pressed 
him  close  to  her  and  whispered,  "Be  somebody,  Abe."  That 
mother  was  Nancy  Hanks,  and  the  boy  did  become  somebody. 
For  he  was  Abraham  Lincoln,  president  of  these  United  States. 
In  after  years,  more  than  once  Lincoln  said  that  these  words 

251 


CENTENNIAL  EAST   LIBERTY   PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH 

of  his  angelic  mother  had  urged  him  on.     It  don't  make  much  | 

difference  as  regards  who  you  are  or  what  you  do,  so  long  as 
you  decide  to  be  somebody,  and  carry  through  your  determina- 
tion with  honor.  In  that  famous  speech  of  Lincoln's  at  Gettys- 
burg he  said :  "The  M'-orld  will  little  note,  nor  long  remember 
what  we  say  here,  but  it  will  never  forget  what  they  did  here." 
It  is  in  the  doing  that  we  possess.    The  law  is  universal. 

Here  is  that  which  makes  up  one's  personality.  Here  is  this 
body  of  mine.  How  can  I  make  it  a  perfect  vehicle  for  the 
expression  of  myself.  Personally  one  must  obey  the  laws  of 
health,  and  follow  such  lines  as  shall  give  us  beauty  of  carriage, 
health  of  organs,  and  the  rythmic  play  of  muscles.  Here  is  a 
man's  mind.  How  make  it  what  it  ought  and  can  become? 
Only  as  man  himself  advances  into  the  development  and  control 
of  his  own  mind,  can  he  possess  that  mind.  There  is  no  royal 
road  to  learning,  but  the  old  beaten  path  of  self-denial,  concen- 
tration, and  midnight  oil.  Or  what  shall  we  say  of  that  moral 
life  that  is  beautiful?  Do  we  not  possess  it  more  and  more  as 
we  meet  each  sin,  and  each  temptation,  and  overcome  it? 

Lately  there  died  in  Pittsburgh  the  president  of  the  great 
Kaufmann-Baer  stores,  Marcus  Baer,  a  man  but  56  years  of 
age.  In  those  jears  that  man  had  proven  the  truth  of  our  text 
in  the  business  world.  From  the  humblest  position  in  the  mer- 
cantile life  he  had  advanced  until  he  was  at  the  head  of  that 
great  establishment.  It  was  said  of  him  that  he  knew  the 
mercantile  business  through  and  through.  To  succeed  here  a 
man  must  enter  the  land  and  possess  it  by  actual  experience. 
It  becom.es  one's  by  hard  labor.  We  get  the  false  idea  some- 
times that  only  those  labor  who  labor  with  their  muscles.  But 
brain  svv^eat  is  the  most  severe. 

When  we  enter  the  sphere  of  social  life  and  intercourse,  we 
find  here  again  that  we  must  experience  what  we  want  to  make 
our  own.  He  was  wise  who  said  that  if  a  man  wants  friends, 
he  must  show  himself  friendly. 

You  will  find  the  law  true  in  all  associations.  If  you  desire 
to  exercise  power  in  any  sphere  in  life,  you  must  acquire  that 
by  becoming  familiar  by  actual  contact  and  experience  with 
these  things.  In  experience  then,  rests  the  realities  of  life  that 
are  permanent  and  satisfying. 

252 


CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 

But  does  this  law  hold  good  in  our  spiritual  life  ?  Do  we  not 
say  that  faith  is  the  great  thing  in  the  spiritual  life?  It  is,  but 
it  goes  hand  in  hand  with  its  helpmeet,  works.  To  be  a  real 
genuine  Christian  is  to  be  a  worker.  A  Christian  must  not  and 
can  not  be  a  sponge.  He  must  be  an  active,  aggressive,  busy 
soul. 

You  desire  to  know  the  will  of  God  and  His  plan  of  salva- 
tion. You  would  become  acquainted  with  what  he  has  sent 
to  mankind  ?  Then  you  must  become  a  student  of  the  Scrip- 
tures. Only  as  you  read  and  study  and  apply  yourself  do  you 
learn  to  know. 

Or  you  would  become  one  who  leads  in  public  prayer  ?  There 
is  but  one  way  in  which  that  can  come  to  you.  It  is  not  by 
wishing,  nor  thinking,  nor  planning,  but  by  doing. 

Or  you  would  express  your  thoughts  before  your  fellow  men? 
You  desire  to  be  a  public  speaker?  In  but  one  way  can  that 
be  done.  You  must  speak.  Wherever  your  feet  tread,  that 
becomes  your  possession. 

To  be  efficient  in  any  thing  in  life,  it  means  that  you  are 
constantly  striving  after  new  knowledge,  and  then,  just  as 
actively  putting  that  new  knowledge  to  work.  The  law  of 
promise  and  possession  is  here.  AVe  can  possess  only  so  much 
of  what  is  promised  as  we  are  willing  to  go  in  and  make  our 
own  by  hard  work.     Our  feet  must  press  upon  the  ground. 

But  we  must  never  forget  the  One  who  is  back  of  the  prom- 
ise. Neither  can  we,  when  we  remember  that,  fail  also  to 
remember  that  He  has  not  only  promised,  but  He  also  comes 
and  helps  us  in  the  Promised  Land.  God  did  not  leave  the 
Children  of  Israel  at  the  Jordan.  He  crossed  the  Jordan  with 
His  people  and  helped  them  in  planting  their  feet  on  the  Prom- 
ised Land.  Too  many  try  to  possess  in  their  own  help.  Why 
not  use  God? 

Here  we  rest  our  faith  in  His  promise,  "I  can  do  all  things 
through  Christ  that  strengthcneth  me."  Here  we  get  our 
courage.  In  Him  wc  can  overcome.  Here  we  get  our 
strength.  One  with  God  will  put  a  thousand  to  flight,  and 
two  with  God  will  put  ten  thousand  to  flight.  Here  we  put 
forth  our  efforts.  Surely  wc  have  had  enough  of  God  to  know 
that  He  is  even  better  than  His  promises. 

253 


CENTENNIAL  MEMORIALS 

^R.  JOHN  G.  LYON,. chairman  of  the  Centennial 
Committee  on  Memorials,  reported  the  gift  of  four 
to  the  church,  each  of  which  is  greatly  appreciated. 
From  Mrs.  W.  M.  McKelvy  and  sons,  a  new 
organ  for  the  church  in  memory  of  her  husband,  Mr.  W.  M. 
McKelvy. 

From  the  Rev.  Frank  Woolford  Sneed,  D.  D.,  and  Mrs. 
Sneed,  a  bronze  tablet  in  honor  of  the  one  hundred  twenty  sol- 
diers who  responded  to  their  country's  call  for  service  in  the 
Great  War,  three  of  whom  made  the  supreme  sacrifice,  all  tlie 
names  being  inscribed  thereon. 

From  the  Misses  Sallie  M.  Negley,  Alice  M.  Negley, 
Georgina  G.  Negley  and  Mr.  Alexander  J.  Negley,  a  bronze 
tablet  in  memory  of  their  grandparents,  Mr.  Jacob  Negley  and 
his  wife,  Mrs.  Barbara  A.  Negley. 

From  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Joseph  H.  Runnette  and  family,  a  dis- 
tinctive and  symbolic  East  Liberty  Presbyterian  Church  flag, 
in  memory  of  Miss  Eilizabeth  Kerr  Runnette. 


CENTENNIAL  ENDOWMENT  FUND 

Mr,  H.  W.  Prentis,  Jr.,  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  the 
Centennial  Endowment  Fund,  reported  total  subscriptions  to 
the  amount  of  $100,789.83.  This  subscription  was  received  in 
reply  to  a  fine  letter  of  explanation  and  appeal  issued  by  Mr. 
Prentis,  expressing  as  the  watchword  of  the  campaign,  "Every 
Member  of  the  Church  a  Contributor."  With  this  letter  was 
enclosed  a  pledge  card,  and  an  illustrated  folder,  prepared  by 
Mr.  J.  Clarence  McCarthy,  which  has  been  justly  termed  a 
classic  in  its  line. 

The  financial  results  of  the  campaign  bear  testimony  to  the 
strenuous  efforts  put  forth. 

Later  three  trustees  were  appointed  as  custodians  of  the 
permanent  fund,  Mr.  R.  B.  Mellon  representing  the  congrega- 
tion, Mr.  Wm.  M.  Robinson  the  session,  and  Mr.  C.  H.  West 

54 


W.\[.    M.    IJOBIXSOX 
Elder;  Member  First  Tnislces  of  Centennial  Endowment  Fund. 


CHAULKS   H.   WEST 
Secretarj'    First    Trustees    of    Ceiiteiminl    EndownuMit    Fum 


CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 

the  board  of  trustees  of  the  church,  and  plans  were  made  for 
the  judicious  investment  of  the  fund  and  the  continuity  of  the 
board  of  trustees. 

It  is  anticipated  that  this  fund  shall  be  largely  augmented 
by  gifts  and  legacies,  in  order  that  a  sufficient  amount  may  be 
invested  to  produce  an  income  adequate  to  enable  the  East 
Liberty  Church  to  meet  the  requirements  of  the  extended  serv- 
ice which  its  strategic  position  as  a  religious  center  urgently 
demands. 


255 


A  FORWARD  VISION 

YRIAD  voices  sing  the  praises  of  our  God,  and 
ever  chant  His  omnipotence,  His  loving  kindness, 
Flis  justice  and  His  truth. 

On  this  momentous  occasion  which  is  now  draw- 
ing to  a  close,  we  have  listened  with  humbly  grateful  hearts  to 
the  voice  of  history. 

What  is  its  vital  message  to  us  today,  as  we  "remember  His 
marvelous  works  that  He  hath  done,"  and  turn  our  faces 
toward  the  future  ? 

"We  will  not  hide  them  from  their  children,  showing  to  the 
generation  to  come  the  praises  of  the  Lord,  and  His  strength 
and  His  wonderful  works  that  He  hath  done." 

"That  the  generation  to  come  might  know  them,  that  they 
might  set  their  hope  in  God,  and  not  forget  the  works  of  God, 
but  keep  His  commandments." 

To  our  forefathers  came  the  call  to  construction,  to  us  comes 
a  wider  but  no  more  momentous  call  to  reconstruction.  By 
the  grace  of  God,  the  foundations  of  this  great  superstructure 
were  laid  in  humble  faith  by  consecrated  hands,  and  from  this 
sacred  spot  has  been  faithfully  proclaimed  a  positive  faith  in  the 
Triune  God  and  all  those  fundamental  truths  which  accom- 
pany redemption  only  through  the  vicarious  atonement  of  our 
Divine  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ;  with  an  unquestioning 
acceptance  of  the  Word  of  God,  as  the  only  infallible  rule  of 
faith  and  practice — facts  which  we,  of  the  East  Liberty  Pres- 
byterian Church,  recognize  as  transcending  the  realm  of  con- 
troversy. The  resultant  of  this  positive  faith  has  been  realized 
in  a  century  of  constructive  service. 

Hovr  shall  we  respond  to  the  challenge  of  the  past? 

We  need  not  hesitate  for  the  answer,  but  appropriate  the 
inspired  mandate.  Speak  unto  the  East  Liberty  Presbyterian 
Church  that  they  go  forward!     "Occupy  till  I  come." 

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CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 

So,  at  this  critical  period  in  the  world's  history,  which  we  call 
the  New  Era,  and  which  marks  for  East  Liberty  Church  the 
opening  of  a  new  century  of  worship  and  service,  shall  this 
Church  of  Christ,  wielding  the  rod  of  the  Spirit,  cause  the 
Red  Sea  of  her  experience  to  divide,  and  with  her  Divine 
Leader  going  on  before,  as  truly  as  in  the  pillar  of  cloud  by 
day  and  the  pillar  of  fire  by  night,  advance  "dry-shod,"  hold- 
ing aloft  the  same  torch  of  an  unquenchable  faith,  and  the  same 
triumphant  Banner  of  the  Cross  which  our  forefathers  held, 
"Until  He  come,"  and  the  church  militant  become  the  church 
triumphant. 

"So  we  Thy  people  and  sheep  of  Thy  pasture  will  give  Thee 
thanks  forever ;  we  will  shew  forth  Thy  praise  to  all  genera- 
tions." 


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